Criminal gang frees 21 people in southern Mexico

Captors have released 21 of 27 people kidnapped recently in the municipality of Arcelia in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, according to governor Hector Astudillo on Friday.

On Jan. 9 the first group of 22 people were captured while on their way to a wedding, and then on Jan. 11 five teachers were captured when an armed gang interrupted classes at a school in the nearby municipality of Ajuchitlan.

On Jan. 11 the body of one of the wedding guests, Eutimio Tinoco, who ran a tortilla-making business, was found by local authorities.

"Los Tequileros" ("The Tequila Makers"), a break-off from the organized crime gang "La Familia Michoacana," is thought to be linked to both incidents.

The 21 wedding guests were found by federal forces wandering the mountains earlier Friday, six days after they were captured.

Many of the victims were found barefoot and with badly injured feet after walking through the mountains.

The criminal gang had originally asked for 170,000 U.S. dollars for their safe release.

However, Arcelia's mayor Adolfo Torales told local media that no ransom had been paid, and the reason behind the sudden release is unknown.

The kidnappers are still holding the five teachers and have asked for around 900,000 U.S. dollars in ransom.

Mexico's army, marines and federal police are involved in the search process. Endit