The leader of the Oficina, a minor criminal organization reportedly linked to the Familia Michoacana drug gang, was gunned down by the security forces inside a house in Aguascalientes, central Mexico.

Nicolas Mora Ovando, alias “El Nico” or “Papa Nico,” had been wanted since January on suspicion of kidnapping, drug trafficking and murder.

He was a former police officer and leader of the local criminal group the Oficina, which is linked to the Familia, according to some media reports, while others referred to him as a leader of the Familia.

Security forces found Mora in his house in the city of Aguascalientes with his girlfriend and her two children, aged 2 and 5, as well as her parents. Agents surrounded the house and opened fire.

Mora allegedly attempted to use both his girlfriend and one of the children as shields, while defending himself with a 9mm handgun, but was eventually killed after a gun battle lasting for at least an hour.

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