APATZINGAN, Mexico, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Federal law enforcement officials in Mexico told vigilantes trying to take control of the state of Michoacan from a drug cartel to put down their weapons.
The vigilantes, who have an unknown allegiance but are suspected fronts for drug gangs that rival the Knights Templar drug cartel, entered the city of Apatzingan on Jan. 10, looting and setting fire to convenience stores and attacking the municipal building with homemade bombs.
Mexican troops clashed with the vigilantes Tuesday in Antunez, killing at least one person.
Mexican authorities said they had gained control of some 20 municipalities in the state by Thursday. A top security official told CNN he couldn't say when the region would be safe again.
The vigilantes said they wouldn't drop their weapons until cartel leaders are arrested.
"We want them to go rescue the towns where the people are still being massacred by organized crime," said Estanislao Beltran, a spokesman for the groups. "When there is peace and security in our state, we will give up our weapons."
The incursion was part of an attempt by the vigilante group to take control of the Tierra Caliente region from the Knights Templar cartel, which many local residents hold in high regard, even treating its founder as a sort of modern-day saint, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.
The vigilantes rose up a few months ago, angered by the cartel's alleged abuse of residents, including extortion, killing and the rape of young women.
