Violence erupts as Mexico’s deadly gangs aim to cement power in largest ever elections

Clashes have sparked political assassinations and the forced displacement of thousands ahead of crunch 6 June polls

Violent clashes between rival Mexican criminal groups - and their alleged allies in the security forces - are escalating ahead of mid-term elections in June, triggering a string of political assassinations and the forced displacement of thousands.

State and federal security forces have actively colluded with - and even fought alongside - the warring factions, according to local civilians, civil society activists and gunmen from various factions.