Mexican president denies letting vigilantes expand

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is denying that his government allowed the expansion of self-defense groups that emerged last year to fight drug traffickers in the western state of Michoacan.

Pena Nieto says his government has clearly stated that the only Mexican government is responsible for security there.

Pena Nieto made the comments Wednesday to reporters traveling with him to Davos, Switzerland, where he will attend the World Economic Forum.

Government opponents say that since the vigilantes took up arms in Michoacan in February they have taken over territory controlled by the Knights Templar drug cartel with the tacit approval of and even security cover from the federal government.

In recent weeks, Pena Nieto sent thousands of federal forces to Michoacan following shootouts between vigilantes and the cartel.