Mexican Communities Reunite After Fleeing Myrta Ardillos Gang in Guerrera

More than 15 families displaced by the Ardillos criminal organization in Guerrero, Mexico, have returned to their rural communities following a ceasefire in the region’s violent conflict. This marks a significant milestone in the security efforts surrounding the hyper-violent turf war between the Ardillos and their rivals, the Tlacos criminal gang

The return coincided with a joint security operation aimed at stabilizing Guerrero’s Montaña Baja region, where clashes between organized crime factions continued to displace residents throughout 2025-2026. Authorities reported that over 1,000 people from Indigenous communities in Alcozacán, Tula, and Xicotla were forced to flee during the past year’s violence. Families described harrowing scenes of intense gunfights and drones equipped with explosives being used in attacks during the Ardillos’ offensive against local police and rival gangs earlier this year.

The Ardillos, emerging from fragmented Gulf Cartel splinters after high-level arrests in the 2010s, have established extensive territorial control across multiple municipalities including Chilapa, Quechultenango, and Acatepec. The group has demonstrated considerable firepower capabilities, including drone-delivered explosives, which have instilled widespread fear among local populations. Historical footage shows communities mobilizing armed defenses against Ardillos incursions, including children trained to handle weapons—a desperate measure that drew national attention in 2020.

Notably, the Ardillos have entrenched themselves within local governance through political connections, complicating community resilience efforts. Several family members of alleged leaders have held municipal leadership positions—including mayorships in Chilapa and Quechultenango—demonstrating the cartel faction’s deep roots in regional politics. Residents described fleeing their homes with only basic supplies, leaving livelihoods and cultural heritage at risk during the displacement period.

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