Mexico City Targets a Cartel in Jalisco State

Gunmen established at least 26 roadblocks by setting hijacked vehicles on fire in the roadway Aug. 25-26 in various areas of Jalisco state, including Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Ciudad Guzman. The roadblocks apparently came in response to government operations targeting organized criminals in Guadalajara and Ciudad Guzman at the time. Federal officials said that during those operations they detained four lieutenants who worked directly with the leader of Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion in Ciudad Guzman. If true, this would temporarily reduce the group's ability to coordinate its operations in Jalisco. It would also provide Los Zetas, the group's principal rivals in Guadalajara, the opportunity to expand their efforts to seize control of territory, leading to increased conflict in those areas.