The alleged arrest of Ismael Zambada Sicairos—known in the criminal world as “El Mayito Flaco”—in an alleged “major military operation in Durango” was denied by journalists specializing in security.
The alleged leak, which began circulating on Monday, October 27, 2025, was described as false and part of a disinformation strategy promoted by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, leader of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
“There is no such operation or arrest. This is a rumor orchestrated by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar. According to a couple of sources consulted, the heir of “El Chapo” Guzmán paid several media outlets to spread the fake news,” journalist José Luis Montenegro posted on his official X account.
The maneuver was allegedly intended to curb the defection of “La Chapiza” operatives to rival factions such as “La Mayiza,” Los Salazar, Los Rusos, and Los Cabrera Sarabia. In recent months, the last two sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán who remain at large have lost territorial control in key areas of their criminal cradle, such as Jesús María, Choix, and Cosalá, which has weakened their operational structure.
