FEDS SAY JUAREZ BLAST WAS RETALIATION FOR ARREST

A deadly bomb attack on Mexican federal police in Juarez on Thursday
is believed to be retaliation for the arrest of one of the top leaders
of the Juarez drug cartel, federal police said.

Federal police arrested Jesus Armando Acosta Guerrero, alias "35," on
Thursday. Acosta is accused of being the operations leader of La
Linea, which police described as the cartel's armed wing.

Police in a statement issued late Thursday night alleged Acosta
received direct orders from Jose Antonio "El Diego" Acosta Hernandez,
who follows command in the cartel hierarchy after Juan Pablo Ledezma,
or "El JL," the lieutenant of reputed cartel boss Vicente Carrillo
Fuentes.

Intelligence reports indicate members of La Linea carried out the
explosive attack in retaliation for Acosta's arrest by ramming a Ford
Focus against two federal police vehicles at about 8 p.m. at the
intersection of Bolivia and 16 de Septiembre streets in downtown
Juarez. It was unclear if the car was rigged to explode.

Officials said a federal police officer, a city police officer and a
rescuer were killed in the attack, according to initial
information.

According to news reports, seven to 10 people were wounded, including
a Channel 5 news cameraman.

Graffiti later appeared on a wall stating, "What happend on 16 (de
Septiembre avenue) will keep happening to all the authorities who keep
supporting El Chapo. Sincerely - the Juarez cartel. We still have car
bombs."

Federal police said Acosta allegedly ordered murders, kidnappings,
extortions and handled drug deals in downtown Juarez and Anapra and
several bars. Police identified the bars as Arriba Chihuahua, V-Bar,
Mirage, Club 16, Aristos, El Rodeo and Ghost. He was also in charge of
safe houses and weaponry.

Acosta, 35, is believed to have taken part in 25 murders, including
killing members of the Artistas Asesinos and Mexicles gangs working
for the rival Sinaloa drug cartel, officials said.

He is accused of taking part in the death of two Mexicles killed
behind an S-Mart supermarket on Ejercito Nacional boulevard.

Police said Acosta was also tasked with bribing authorities at the
local, state and national level in order to "obtain institutional
protection and privileged information."

The bribe money was paid to a person identified as "La Leyenda," or
the Legend, who would then pass the cash to corrupt officials.