An operation by the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) in the mining area of ??Huitzontla, in Chinicuila, In the state of Michoacan, the presence and reach of “Operativa Yogurt,” one of the most aggressive armed cells of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was revealed. The confrontation, which occurred in mid-May, left three marines wounded, 12 gunmen killed, and nine arrested, according to federal authorities. The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar Garcia Harfuch, explained that the operation took place in a difficult-to-access area where activity by a highly violent armed group had been reported. The cell turned out to be part of the Mencho Special Forces (FEM), an operational arm of the CJNG that, according to military files leaked by Guacamaya, operates between Jalisco and Michoacan.

What is Operation Yogurt?

“Operation Yogurt” is a subdivision of the Mencho Special Forces that has gained prominence within the CJNG due to three factors: • Its military capabilities, with the use of high-powered weapons, armored vehicles, and tactics similar to those of the military. • Its presence on social media, where its members disseminate videos, corridos (Mexican ballads), and photographs wearing patches embroidered with the cell's name. • Its mixed composition, made up of Mexicans and Colombian and Guatemalan mercenaries with military training.

According to an investigation by Milenio, the group is commanded by Abraham Jesus Ambriz Cano, known as “El Yogurt.” Originally from Apatzingan, he joined the CJNG in 2022 after deserting from Los Viagras, an organization allied with Carteles Unidos. His rise was based on his ability to lead operations and improve drug trafficking routes to the United States. The presence of Colombians among those killed and arrested in Huitzontla confirmed the lines of investigation regarding the CJNG's international recruitment. Garcia Harfuch acknowledged that there is a "clear pattern" in the incorporation of foreign ex-military personnel.This is why Mexico is already collaborating with Colombian authorities.

Recruitment and Expansion

The aforementioned media outlet documented that the CJNG and other groups like the Sinaloa Cartel seek to recruit South American ex-military personnel through direct messages on WhatsApp, promises of high salaries, and contacts infiltrated within the Colombian Army. Many of these individuals, specializing in explosives and intelligence, end up joining cells such as “Operativa Yogurt,” “Grupo Delta,” or “Grupo Elite.”

The cell led by “El Yogurt” has expanded its presence from Michoacan to Jalisco, Colima, and Quintana Roo, where, according to corridos circulating on social media, it even operates in tourist areas like Cozumel and Cancun.

The confrontation in Huitzontla aimed to capture the criminal leader, however, he managed to evade the authorities.