SUMMARY

The self-defense groups in Michoacán, Autodefensas Unidas de Michoacán, were formed in February 2013 saying they were outraged by extortion, kidnapping, and violence caused by the drug cartel Los Caballeros Templarios. The Autodefensas started to “liberate” towns and municipalities in the state of Michoacán, which inevitably led to clashes with Los Caballeros Templarios.

Autodefensas Unidas de Michoacán has said that their goal is to “clean up Michoacán of organized crime, in any of its forms and at any level”, while Los Caballeros Templarios has accused the self-defense forces of working for a rival cartel, Jalisco Cartel New Generation.

Several clashes took place during 2013, usually starting with one of the groups attacking checkpoints of the other group using high-powered rifles and grenades. There were also attacks against community services such as electrical facilities.

The violence has been concentrated in the state of Michoacán, particularly the areas around Apatzingan and Buenavista.

The non-state conflict between Autodefensas Unidas de Michoacán and Los Caballeros Templarios is first included in UCDP data in 2013. In late October that year the conflict first reached the threshold of 25 battle-related deaths, following clashes near Apatzingan town.