Over 200 People Displaced in Recent Clash Between CJNG and Sinaloa Cartel in Jalisco–Zacatecas Border

"Morogris" for Borderland Beat; TY to "El Zacatecas"

9 vehicles were secured after the shootout; at least 4 of them were armored.

The narco-war on the Zacatecas and Jalisco borders reached a new high point earlier this week when a shootout broke out between suspected members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel in Teocaltiche Municipality, Jalisco.

According to several testimonies shared on social media, the shootout displaced over 200 people in at least 7 rural communities: El Saucito, Rancho Mayor, Rancho Santo, Agua Tinta, El Rosario, Los García, and Los Pocitos. The Catholic Parish of Mechoacanejo welcomed close to 50 families who fled Tecocaltiche, and were provided with food and shelter. However, they said that the food is quickly running out.

From El Saucito, at least 68 people from 18 families were displaced; from El Rosario, nine people from two families; and from Los Pocitos, 37 people from nine families. From Rancho Santo, there were six people from two families; from Rancho Mayor, 16 people from four families; from Agua Tinta, 70 people from 16 families; and Los García, eight people from two families.

Reports say that a convoy of 18 vehicles with the insignias of the CJNG made their way into Teocaltiche earlier this week and clashed with gunmen from the Sinaloa Cartel. At least nine vehicles were found abandoned in several parts of Teocaltiche. 

Teocaltiche authorities reported that its population was experiencing a "delicate situation", and asked its citizens via Facebook to not share pictures or videos on social media to prevent panic from spreading. 

"We invite residents not to disseminate information that does not come from official sources to avoid creating panic in our community," municipal authorities said.

Several people on social media criticized the government's ask as "censorship" and said the call to remain calm was absurd. People asked for the Mexican Army and Navy to intervene.

“Is this serious?” said a resident, adding that it was irrational to ask people who cannot return to their homes to remain calm. "I would like to see you in the shoes of those people," she said.

Teocaltiche is located in the Altos Norte region in Jalisco, where it borders Aguascalientes and Zacatecas. The predominant economic activities in the area are livestock and agriculture.

This shootout occurred a few weeks after the Mexican government dispatched more state and federal security forces in Teocaltiche, following a massive shootout that took place in this municipality in early April. This deployment, however, has not put an end to the violence.

GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

Another vehicle used by gunmen in the shootout

One person was confirmed dead in a clash that took place near Saucito community (@InfSinCensuraMx) 

Many of the shootouts took place in this rural highway; no detainees have been confirmed.

Sources: Reforma; El Sol de Zacatecas; El Informador; Infobae (1); (2); Excelsior (Images); La Jornada; (2); El Occidental