The Rise of Armed Children in Guerrero: A Tragic Tale of Survival Amid Violence
The rugged mountains of Guerrero, Mexico, have long been a hotbed of violence and conflict. For decades, indigenous communities in this region have endured the encroachment of criminal groups, battling for control over drug production, illegal mining, and territorial dominance. The state, often absent or complicit, has left these communities to fend for themselves. In this dire context, the recent images of children as young as six years old wielding assault rifles have shocked the world. Yet, these harrowing scenes are merely the latest chapter in a much deeper and more complex saga.
On January 18, 2021, a brutal attack in Chilapa, Guerrero, claimed the lives of ten indigenous Nahua musicians. The massacre, attributed to the criminal group Los Ardillos, highlighted the escalating danger faced by indigenous communities in Guerrero. This attack, however, was not an isolated incident. Los Ardillos, notorious for their ruthlessness, have long terrorized the region, targeting those who resist their control.
In response, the CRAC-PF (Regional Coordinating Council of Founding Peoples’ Community Authorities), an indigenous self-defense group, made a controversial and desperate move. They presented 19 new recruits—children aged between 6 and 15—as their latest line of defense. These children, barely old enough to comprehend the gravity of their situation, were now tasked with protecting their communities from Los Ardillos. “Every three or four days, criminal groups threaten to invade our community,” said Bernardino Sánchez Luna, founder of CRAC-PF, in an interview with Vice. “We are preparing the children so that they can defend themselves if they lose their parents.”
The Context: A History of Neglect and Violence
Guerrero’s history is marked by systemic neglect and marginalization. Indigenous communities in the state have historically been excluded from economic and social development. Basic infrastructure, education, and healthcare are scarce, leaving these communities vulnerable to external threats.
Los Ardillos, one of Guerrero’s most feared criminal groups, emerged as a dominant force in the early 2000s. Initially involved in poppy cultivation and heroin production, they thrived during the peak of the U.S. opioid crisis. However, as demand for heroin declined, Los Ardillos diversified their operations, venturing into illegal mining and extortion. Their ruthless tactics include kidnapping, murder, and systematic terror against those who resist.
The group’s origins can be traced back to Quechultenango, Guerrero, where it was founded by Celso Ortega Rosas, known as “La Ardilla.” Following his death in 2011, his sons took over, leading a fierce territorial battle against rival factions like Los Rojos, a splinter group of the Beltrán Leyva cartel.
The Role of Indigenous Militias
In the absence of effective state protection, indigenous communities in Guerrero have formed self-defense groups. These militias, like CRAC-PF, aim to protect their people and lands from criminal organizations. However, their efforts come at a high cost. Armed confrontations between militias and criminal groups often result in bloodshed, with civilians caught in the crossfire.
CRAC-PF has long been at the forefront of this struggle. The group’s decision to arm children has drawn widespread criticism, but leaders argue that it is a necessary evil. “These are extraordinary circumstances,” said Sánchez Luna. “We are not training these children to become criminals. We are training them to survive.”
This is not the first time children have been used in Guerrero’s conflict. In May 2019, another indigenous militia from Rincón de Chautla released a video showing armed children as part of their ranks. The video was intended as a plea for help, a stark reminder of the community’s vulnerability.
The Economic and Political Motives Behind the Violence
The violence in Guerrero is not only fueled by the drug trade but also by other lucrative criminal enterprises. Illegal mining has become a significant source of income for groups like Los Ardillos. Control over gold and other mineral-rich lands provides a steady stream of revenue, often extracted through brutal means.
Political corruption exacerbates the problem. Criminal groups frequently collude with local officials, ensuring their operations run smoothly. This corruption undermines any meaningful attempts at law enforcement, leaving communities like those in Chilapa defenseless.
According to Falko Ernst, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, the conflict in Guerrero reflects a broader failure of the Mexican state. “There are multiple incentives for criminal groups to target indigenous lands,” Ernst explained. “These communities stand in the way of profits from drugs, mining, and extortion. Without a comprehensive strategy that addresses these root causes, the violence will persist.”
Government Response: Too Little, Too Late?
The shocking images of armed children in Guerrero prompted a rare response from the federal government. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador condemned the practice as “an abuse” and pledged to address the underlying issues. Guerrero Governor Héctor Astudillo visited Chilapa shortly after the incident, promising increased security and support for the affected communities.
In a move to ease tensions, the government deployed the National Guard to Chilapa. An agreement was also reached to disarm the 19 children and provide them with access to education. “We want these children to have a future beyond violence,” Sánchez Luna stated during a press conference.
Despite these measures, skepticism remains high. Critics argue that the deployment of security forces is a stopgap solution, unlikely to bring lasting peace to Guerrero. The systemic issues—poverty, corruption, and impunity—remain unaddressed.
A Call for Comprehensive Action
Experts like Ernst believe that Guerrero needs a “Marshall Plan” to break the cycle of violence. This would involve significant investment in economic development, education, and healthcare. It would also require a complete overhaul of the security and justice systems, ensuring accountability and protecting the most vulnerable.
For the indigenous communities of Guerrero, the fight for survival continues. As long as criminal groups like Los Ardillos operate with impunity, and the state fails to provide adequate support, these communities will be forced to take matters into their own hands—even if it means arming their children.
The images of young children holding rifles are a tragic symbol of Guerrero’s plight. They serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of neglect and violence, and a call to action for a government that has long turned a blind eye to the suffering of its people.