Paramilitary leader assassinated in Chiapas; group threatens vigilante justice

Fernando Ruiz Hernández, a prominent leader within the "El Machete" paramilitary organization, was ambushed and killed in the community of La Esperanza, within the municipality of Chenalhó, Chiapas. Official sources confirmed the assassination, which occurred amidst a long-standing conflict between various militias in the region.

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If in case of five days

The "El Machete" group has publicly accused a rival organization, identified as "Los Herrera," of carrying out the assassination. In a strong statement, "El Machete" has issued an ultimatum to the Chiapas state government, demanding the arrest of the responsible individuals within five days. The group explicitly stated that if the authorities fail to comply, they will resort to taking justice into their own hands.

Ruiz Hernández and his brother Reynaldo were reportedly leaders of "El Machete," which established its public presence in July 2021. The organization's primary operational base is in the neighboring municipality of Pantelhó. This assassination follows a violent incident on June 2, 2023, where seven indigenous Tzotzil people were killed and three others seriously injured in an attack on a highway near Polhó, Chenalhó. Those victims had recently fled their community due to incursions by armed men identified as "Los Ratones."

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Unfortunately, the hitmen of Los Herrera arrived at that place to kill him.

"El Machete" stated that Ruiz Hernández was killed by "Los Herrera" sicarios after attending a basketball tournament in La Esperanza. The organization also alleged on social media that "Los Herrera" is collaborating with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). They appealed to Governor Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar for swift solutions, noting that such incidents are not isolated.

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That is why we ask (the) governor (Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar) to provide solutions as soon as possible, as this is not the first time these cases have happened.