Sixteen security agents were released in southern Mexico three days after being kidnapped. The governor of the state of Chiapas, Rutilio Escandón, announced this on Twitter on Friday (local time). Suspected members of a drug cartel abducted the men on Tuesday from a service bus in the community of Ocozocoautla.
The hostage-takers demanded, among other things, the resignation of three police chiefs. However, the government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador rejected the demands.
Major search campaign started
The circumstances of the release initially remained unclear. According to media reports, the officers appeared unexpectedly in a pickup truck near the security service headquarters in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital of Chiapas.
Her relatives had been protesting there since Wednesday for her release. After the kidnapping, a large-scale search was launched involving more than a thousand military, national guard and police officers.
Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generation
Chiapas borders the Central American country of Guatemala. In the region, crime syndicates fight for areas of influence for drug smuggling, migrant smuggling and gasoline theft.
Members of the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel are said to have been behind the kidnapping. According to media reports, the police chiefs, whose resignation they are demanding, are said to have contacts with the rival Sinaloa cartel. President López Obrador said the allegations will be investigated. (aeg/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
