MORELIA, Mexico (AP) -- Banners hung in western Mexico are announcing a previously unknown armed gang calling itself the "Knights Templar."
The signs say the group will take the place of La Familia drug cartel, which a month and a half ago announced its intention to dissolve.
The "Knights" vow to keep order, combat crimes such as extortion and kidnapping and fend off any other gangs looking to make inroads in Michoacan state.
The signs were hung from footbridges, on a school fence and elsewhere in cities including the state capital of Morelia, as well as in Zitacuaro and Apatzingan.
Police quickly removed the banners Thursday
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