At least 29 people killed in Culiacán as drug cartel gunmen fight bloody battle to stop transport of El Chapo’s son after arrest
Mexican security forces on Thursday arrested Ovid, son of notorious jailed Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Members of the Sinaloa cartel and their associates have launched violent attacks in the region, shooting police and soldiers, torching vehicles and blocking roads along the Pacific coast.
The Mexican government reported last Friday that at least 29 individuals died during the police operation to apprehend Ovidio Guzmán, the son of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán, one of the most notorious drug smugglers of all time.
Ten of the victims were service members, while 19 of them were recognized as alleged criminals. Additionally, at least 35 soldiers suffered injuries, and 21 people were arrested. The administration reports that no civilians were hurt on Thursday during the operation.
During clashes with the police, the Sinaloa cartel, to which Guzmán is linked, also fired on a plane with passengers and on two Mexican Air Force aircraft. The aircraft had to make emergency landings, but none of the episodes left any injuries.
Sandoval said draconian security measures will remain in place in Culiacan to protect citizens. Another 1,000 troops are expected to arrive in the city today to bolster local security forces.
The arrest of Ovid was carried out without the involvement of any US forces, according to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The airport in Culiacan remained closed today.
