Michoacan News: Knights Templar Leader Nazario Moreno González, 'El Chayo,' Killed in Gunfight With Marines

The Mexican Government has confirmed that a confrontation between Mexican marines and Knights Templar Cartel members resulted in the death of at least one cartel member, who is presumed to be Nazario Moreno alias "El Chayo." The confrontation took place in Naranjo de Chila in the municipality of Aguililla in Michoacan. Moreno is one of the three leaders the Caballeros Templarios or Knights Templar cartel, one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico.

Mexican forces have been undergoing operations searching for operatives in Michoacan, also known as the 'tierra caliente,' a hotspot for drug cartel activity in recent months. Members of the vigilante group operating the area informed authorities that they were closing in on Nazario Moreno. Moreno was actually declared dead back in 2010 during the government of Felipe Calderón, however, the death was never confirmed as the body was never presented for identification.

Also known as "El Mas Loco," Moreno was a leader of the Knights Templar cartel which has been waging a bloody war against their rivals, the New Generation of Jalisco gang. Officials at the Mexican Attorney General's Office are undertaking tests on the body to confirm that it is indeed Nazario "El Chayo Moreno. Confirmation of this is expected in the next few hours - were it to be true, it would be a huge boon to Enrique Peña Nieto's government following the capture of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman last month.