Zacatecas: 14 die in confrontation between police and criminal group in Calera

Steve C  Borderland Beat ntr

Barret rifles and grenade launcher s were used in the conflict.  However, 14 criminals were killed in the confrontation that broke out between the rural area of ​​the Nueva Alianza and Río Frío communities, some 40 kilometers from the Zacatecan capital.

A group of armed individuals attacked state police in this municipality. After several hours of the confrontation, the balance was 14 civilians killed, one wounded, three officers injured and the seizure of weapons and drugs.

The recent events, which occurred on Monday afternoon, add to the list of attacks that have been targeted by security corporations and that have worsened since September, among others, with the shooting at the command in Juan Aldama, where they fell two were in uniform and one was deprived of liberty, the kidnapping of three municipal officials in Jerez, and the murder of two state officials in Guadalupe.

The confrontation in Calera began at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the Nueva Alianza community, some 40 kilometers from the state capital, when armed civilians attacked elements of the State Preventive Police (PEP), who were conducting a surveillance tour in the place.

The troops repelled the attack and followed the attackers when they tried to flee to the upper part of the municipality. The shooting lasted about three hours, so the head of the Public Security Secretariat (SSP), Arturo López Bazán, instructed a strong support operation.

Authorities from the three levels of government participated in the deployment, with officers from the Metropolitan (Metropol) and Investigation Police, as well as elements from the Mexican Army and the National Guard. The PEP helicopter joined in to support the uniformed victims of the attack.

Through a statement, the SSP spokesperson specified that, of the three wounded police officers, two have injuries from splinters and one from a firearm; Although it was not specified which security body they belong to, it emerged that it is the Metropol. Thanks to rapid intervention, they were taken care of. All the uniformed men are out of danger and in stable health.

In addition to the 14 alleged assailants killed, one more was injured and was therefore transferred, as a detainee, to receive medical attention. After the confrontation, authorities seized three vehicles, including a red Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

They also confiscated eight rifle-type firearms, one of them fitted with a grenade lance; 23 magazines, 21 caliber 7.62 and two .223; various types of drugs and "other evidence that is still in the process of being collected." Unofficially, it was mentioned that a 50mm Barret was also secured.

Community residents reported that the detonations were continuous and very loud. Given the magnitude of the events, López Bazán ordered that the coordinated deployment between corporations be maintained and the police presence be reinforced with ground and air patrols.

“With these actions, we endorse the commitment we have with the Zacatecans to provide security conditions. I am grateful for the support of the federal and municipal authorities, in solidarity with this aggression, and I recognize the courage and timely reaction of the comrades to face it, "said the head of the SSP.

Agresión armada en contra de policías de Calera, #Zacatecas, dejó 14 civiles muertos. Así se vivió el enfrentamiento: #AbreLosOjos #ImagenNoticias con @franciscozea @ImagenZea pic.twitter.com/67CbOKOYWV

— Imagen Televisión (@ImagenTVMex) October 13, 2020