Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) has deployed its elite "Murciélagos" special forces unit to Chetumal in response to the arrest of Ramón Antonio García Amezcua, alias "El Ramoncillo," a high-ranking enforcer for the Caborca Cartel in southern Quintana Roo.
Reinforcements Arrive Amid Security Concerns
The Murciélagos unit, renowned for high-risk operations in states like Sinaloa—including missions against the "Chapitos" faction—arrived via tactical ground vehicles on Tuesday. Their deployment follows Sunday's violent clashes during a joint federal-state operation that resulted in eight arrests, including García Amezcua, identified as a priority target in Quintana Roo's criminal database.
Authorities allege García Amezcua served as the armed wing of Valerio Bustillos ("El Monkey"), overseeing cartel violence in the region. The Murciélagos will conduct strategic patrols alongside the National Guard, Navy, State Police, Municipal Police, and State Attorney General's Office. Their arrival complements Monday's deployment of military paratroopers to bolster surveillance in urban and rural zones, including checkpoints to deter retaliatory actions.
Sunday's Operation: Rescue and Confrontation
The operation began after reports of an illegal confinement in Chetumal's Barrio Bravo neighborhood. A firefight ensued, leaving one suspect dead, two hostages rescued, and multiple injuries—including among officers. Security forces later raided a safe house in the Adolfo López Mateos colony, seizing long-range weapons, grenades, ammunition, narcotics, and vehicles.
Among those detained was a Belizean national with a criminal record, suspected of leading hitmen near the border.
Federal Commitment to Stability
The Murciélagos' presence underscores the federal government's focus on maintaining territorial control and curbing organized crime's expansion in southern Quintana Roo. Officials anticipate the unit's expertise will deter further violence and reassure Chetumal residents after recent unrest.
No additional operational details were disclosed.
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