Mexico: Government agents who had been kidnapped in Chiapas State on June 27 released June 30 /update 1

Event

A group of 16 agents with the Department of Public Safety who had been kidnapped were released unharmed June 30. The kidnapping occurred June 27 on Highway 190 between Ocozocoautla and Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas State, and had prompted a major security operation in the area.

The victims of the kidnapping were reportedly held in a mountainous area. While there was no report of whether a ransom was paid to secure their release, their captors had demanded that three police officers they accused of working with the Sinaloa Cartel (Cartel de Sinaloa) be fired and that a local singer who was allegedly abducted by the Sinaloa Cartel be released. Initial reports suggest that the gang that kidnapped the agents is affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, CJNG), a rival of the Sinaloa Cartel.

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 the Sinaloa Cartel and the 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.