Firm grip

摘要

Between 22 August and 12 September this year, a series of violent incidents in the Tierra Caliente region of Mexico's Guerrero state have indicated the organised crime group (OCG) Familia Michoacana (FM) has intensified its operations to expand its influence and consolidate its control in the state. During the four-week period, targets of attacks have included senior officials of the Guerrero State Attorney General's Office (FGE), residents of the communities around the Balsas River, and miners at the Media Luna mine, which is owned by the Canadian company Torex Gold. Violence in this area is unlikely to subside in the short term while the FM continues to expand in the region.