Mexican armed forces in the southern state of Chiapas confirmed the deaths of two alleged cartel members operatives an operation in Villa Corzo, a municipality 62 miles south of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital. One of them was Bryan "N," also known as "El Cachorro." Initially believed to be the second-in-command of the Jalisco Cartel in Chiapas, it was later revealed he was a plaza boss for the Guatemala-Chiapas cartel.
Omar García Harfuch, the country's top security official, confirmed the status of "El Cachorro," saying he and his bodyguard were associates of the mentioned cartel.
Harfuch added that the suspects extorted merchants and business owners in the area through protection rackets, a tactic commonly used by criminal groups to demand money in exchange for protection from threats or violence — often threats they create themselves.
Óscar Aparicio Avendaño, head of security in Chiapas, said authorities learned about the suspects' location after they attacked state police officers that were patrolling the area. During the operation, law enforcement repelled the attack until reinforcements arrived. Three officers were injured and later transported to a nearby hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
Speaking to press, Harfuch added that authorities seized three firearms, a motorcycle and a pickup truck during the operation.
Videos allegedly showing the confrontation in Villa Corzo began circulating on social media. The recordings, which feature multiple gunshots, later supported the version of events recounted by state authorities.
What is the Guatemala-Chiapas Cartel?
According to Infobae México, authorities first became aware of the criminal group after 19 bodies were found in the municipality of La Concordia last June. Agencies reported the incident was the result of a confrontation between members of the Guatemala-Chiapas cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel.
Reports suggest the organization was founded by deserters from the Jalisco Cartel, a criminal group that has been in conflict with the Sinaloa Cartel over drug smuggling routes in Chiapas since 2021.
Though considered its own entity, the Guatemala-Chiapas cartel is believed to function as a criminal cell aligned with the Jalisco Cartel, as most of its operations and attacks have continued to target Sinaloa Cartel cells in the state.
In a video posted by alleged cartel members in September 2024, a group of armed men claim the Guatemala-Chiapas cartel includes former members of the elite Guatemalan army unit known as the Kaibiles.
Founded 50 years ago, the Kaibiles specialize in jungle warfare tactics and counterinsurgency operations.
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