SAA event in Mexico on Thu 16th July 2026

A coordinated operation between the Mexican Army and the state police of Michoacán and Guanajuato resulted in the arrest of 11 hitmen —including two minors —in the municipality of La Piedad, Michoacán.

During the operation, security forces dismantled a criminal cell, seizing a significant arsenal of military-grade weapons, drugs, and tactical equipment.

The inter-institutional intervention is part of the surveillance strategies on the borders of both entities to combat the groups that generate violence in the region. The security deployment was strategically carried out at key points in La Piedad.

Thanks to information sharing and the joint response of state law enforcement agencies from Michoacán and Guanajuato, along with military personnel, the 11 armed civilians were surrounded and subdued without any casualties.

Among those captured were identified two minors, who were used by the criminal organization to carry out criminal activities.

Following the arrest, security personnel inspected the site and secured the following war materiel and logistical equipment:

• 8 long guns
• 1 pistol
• 4 grenade launcher attachments
• 35 magazines for various calibers
• 2 linked supply belts
• 517 usable cartridges
• Various doses of illicit substances ready for distribution (pending weighing and analysis).
• Vests
• Uniforms
• Ponchallantas

The 11 detainees, the high-caliber weapons, the drugs, and the tactical equipment were transferred under heavy security to be turned over to the appropriate Public Prosecutor's Office. The competent authorities will determine the legal status of the accused, especially the minors, under specialized juvenile justice laws, and will investigate this cell's connection to other high-impact crimes in the border region between Michoacán and Guanajuato.