At least 11 killed as Mexican farmers ‘struggle cartel members’ with sickles and machetes

At least 11 folks have been killed in an obvious struggle between suspected drug cartel members and residents of a farming group in central Mexico.

Violent video footage exhibits dozens of individuals – some in cowboy hats – armed with sickles, machetes and rifles.

After a tense stand-off in a area, they started chasing and hacking at different males as computerized gunfire broke out.

It occurred within the city of Texcaltitlan, about 80 miles (130km) southwest of Mexico City.

State police mentioned eight of the lifeless have been gang members and the opposite three have been locals.

Villagers reportedly set their our bodies and autos alight.

The gang hasn’t been named, however the Familia Michoacana drug cartel has been dominant within the space for a decade.

Local media reported that gang members had demanded that farmers pay an extortion payment for every acre of land.

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Cartels in Mexico are well-known for extorting companies and infrequently assault or burn ranches or companies that do not pay.

Familia Michoacana is infamous for ambushing police – in addition to a 2022 assault during which it massacred 20 folks in Totolapan, in neighbouring Guerrero state, together with the mayor and his father.