Mexican Mayor and 14 Others Freed in Hidalgo Rescue Operation; 7 Arrested, 10 Officers Injured

In the early hours of Tuesday, a police operation in La Flor, San Salvador, Hidalgo, successfully freed Mayor Norberto Martínez Cruz and 14 other individuals. The group had been held captive by approximately 300 residents.

The situation began when a large group of inhabitants stormed the municipal presidency in the town center, forcibly taking the mayor. Police officers attempted to intervene but were unable to prevent the abduction. The detained individuals, including the mayor, public works director, a cadastral agent, an accountant, and eight council members, were held in a multipurpose auditorium.

Two Hidalgo state government workers were also among those detained. They had reportedly gone to address the residents' demands for public works. During the rescue operation, police faced resistance from the crowd, who used stones and sticks. Ten officers were injured and required medical attention.

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals, three men and four women. They have been transferred to the Attorney General's Office to face charges related to unlawful detention.