Mexico: Armed group kidnaps 14 police officers on highway in Chiapas State June 27

Event

An armed group kidnapped 14 Mexican police officers on the 190 Highway between Ocozocoautla and Tuxtla Gutierrez in Chiapas State June 27. Approximately 40 police officers were traveling to Tuxtla Gutierrez at around 16:00 when several trucks of armed civilians intercepted them. The assailants released all female hostages and took the male officers. Security forces are currently attempting to locate and rescue the hostages.

Ocozocoautla is approximately 28 km (18 miles) west of Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Context

There is a significant threat of kidnapping in Mexico. The threat extends to both foreigners and locals; however, locals are more likely to be targeted. The most common types of abduction in Mexico include basic opportunistic kidnap-for-ransom, express kidnapping, and virtual kidnapping. Criminal organizations have infiltrated police forces in certain areas, and some officers are complicit in kidnappings. For this reason, many kidnappings go unreported for fear of retaliatory attacks.

Chiapas has recently seen an increase in violent crime, much of it related to the activities of drug trafficking organizations (DTO's). Ocozocoautla lies close to trafficking routes for drugs and migrants; reports suggest that the police officers kidnapped were involved in efforts to suppress DTO activities in the area. The state has recently seen conflicts between two rival DTOs: the Sinaloa cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, CJNG). On June 22, an unknown assailant shot at a member of the Attorney General's office, killing a nearby person. On June 19, an armed clash between security forces and suspected DTO members in Ocozocoautla killed two people, including a civilian.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area over the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport.