Armed men have recently been seen in several municipalities in Chiapas, distributing flyers and posting banners with threats directed at drug cartels. These individuals, identified as self-defense groups or “autodefensas,” have declared their intention to “cleanse the area of narcos.” In videos shared by a reporter, these armed men can be seen marching through the streets, distributing pamphlets to civilians.
The group, calling themselves the “Autodefensa de Los Altos de Chiapas,” claims readiness to defend all municipalities against any cartel. They promise to prevent extortion, protection money, vehicle theft, and harm to civilians. Their goal is to provide safety and security for local communities, including traders, ranchers, grocery stores, street vendors, and all residents. They also challenge authorities who may be complicit with the cartels.
The situation in Chiapas has escalated due to the ongoing conflict between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the southern region of Mexico. This violence has disrupted peace and tranquility in the state. Some residents of Amatenango de la Frontera and ejidos (communal lands) in Chicomuselo have fled their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring towns or Guatemalan border communities.
In Chenalhó, the community of La Esperanza witnessed violence when armed members of the Los Herrera group opened fire, forcing nearly 800 people—mostly children and women—to flee. Fear increased as criminal groups began recruiting young individuals from these communities. Families affected by the violence are urging Mexican authorities to take control of the situation so they can return home.
Human rights organizations have reported clashes between organized crime groups in at least 14 municipalities in the Sierra and border regions of Chiapas, putting the population at imminent risk.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged that 200 to 300 Chiapanecan families have relocated to Guatemala due to cartel conflicts. However, he denied that this constitutes an “exodus.” His government is now intervening to address the violence in the southern border region, as evidenced during the inauguration of the La Concordia bridge, which connects over 16 municipalities between Mexico and Guatemala.
Source: El Financiero
