Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment Mexican teenage boys wearing bulletproof vests are seen shooting assault rifles as part of a cartel training exercise.

The video reportedly shows members of the Nueva Familia Michoacana Cartel training their next generation of armed fighters, according to reports.

In the footage, several boys are seen firing assault rifles at an off-screen target while wearing bulletproof vests.

The footage is believed to have been filmed in the central Mexican state of Guerrero although the cartel mainly operates in the neighbouring state of Michoacan, according to local media.

In another video released on social media, teenagers are seen patrolling the streets of the municipality of Almoloya de Alquisiras in the state of Mexico in vans marked with the letters FM (Familia Michoacana).

The boys, who are allegedly led by a teenager called ‘El Dorito’ or ‘El Doriloco’, are seen wearing uniforms while brandishing assault rifles.

Video Credit: CEN

One suspected cartel member is heard saying: “We are cleaning up here in Almoloya de Alquisiras.”

According to reports, the Mexican states of Michoacan and Guerrero are most affected by turf wars between rival organised gangs.

The videos were shared on social networks after residents of Texcaltitlan, Almoloya de Alquisiras and Sultepec reported that an alleged turf war between the Nueva Familia Michoacana and Jalisco New Generation cartels was taking place.

Video Credit: CEN

The reports were rejected by the city council of Sultepec, according to local media.

One day afterwards, two men were reportedly found dead in the municipality with FM (Familia Michoacana) marked on their bodies.

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