23 dead and 12 arrested for shootings in Villa Unión, Coahuila

Chivis Martinez Borderland Beat  TYGus  From Zeta

A total of 12 suspected participants in the armed attack in Villa Unión, Coahuila, which occurred last Saturday, November 30, have been arrested during the operation maintained by federal and state security forces. Two yesterday, and 10 more this December 3, as announced by Governor Miguel Ángel Riquelme Solís.

On the other hand, the total number of people killed in the armed attack rose to 23, after the Government of Coahuila reported that another of the alleged criminals was killed. Of the total, 17 were suspected criminals, 4 state police and two unarmed civilians (Firefighters).

In addition, there are six injured.

Through a statement, the state government reported that three minors and two adults were rescued, after the criminals had taken them to serve as guides during their flight. Likewise, the security forces secured 21 long .223 caliber weapons, 6 of 50-caliber barrets, various tactical equipment such as helmets and vests, loaders, tire punctures, and magazines.

It was also indicated that, derived from the operation carried out by the Army, the National Guard (GN), the State Action and Reaction Group and the Criminal Investigation Agency of the State Prosecutor's Office, 18 vehicles were assured so far that the armed group used, in addition to recovering four units that had been stolen.

Convoy of 25

On Saturday, shortly before noon, about a hundred armed men aboard about 25 vehicles shot the City Hall, a church, government offices and homes of Villa Unión. Subsequently they sustained a confrontation with 4 police officers, whom they murdered.

Then, for about 90 minutes, they faced 15 state elements. The withdrawal of the criminal group, allegedly belonging to the Northeast Cartel, was truncated by police and military reinforcements that arrived by air and land.

The governor of Coahuila rendered his Second Government Report yesterday, Monday, December 2 in the municipality of Torreón. His message was focused on the climate of "stability" that he has sought in the entity, he promised that he “will not let criminal groups in during his administration”.

On the other hand, it was announced that the National Guard installed a base of operations in that municipality since yesterday. “There is staff from other units, from other institutions; we will be coordinating with them. Until necessary,” said Rubén Barraza Rodríguez, former commander of the XI Military Police Brigade, and current state coordinator of the GN in Coahuila.