A large-scale air and ground operation was deployed in the mountainous region of Badiraguato, Sinaloa, and Tamazula, Durango, within the so-called Golden Triangle, with the objective of locating and capturing several leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. This is the second such operation in this area in recent days.
Security sources stated that at least eight military helicopters from various branches (Navy, Army, and National Guard) participated in the operation. These helicopters included armed helicopters, troop transport helicopters, and reconnaissance helicopters.
These are UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, known for their versatile mobility and equipped with machine guns, including the Dillon M134 Minigun, a 7.62 caliber rotary weapon with a high rate of fire of 3,000 rounds per minute, used by the military for high-impact missions or to protect ground platoons.
Also participating are Mi-17 helicopters, currently upgraded and capable of carrying elite troops, including paratroopers, for incursion operations in the mountains.
In addition, it was stated that Bell helicopters are present, which, although they can also be armed, are being used for reconnaissance to gather information on geography, rural roads, the presence of armed individuals, access to caves or shelters, and safe houses.
Among the targets is Aureliano Guzmán Loera, alias El Guano, brother of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, according to reports from federal sources.
National security authorities are offering a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Mexican and U.S. authorities identify Aureliano Guzmán Loera, alias El Guano, as one of the top leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel and head of the faction known as Los Guanos.
According to official records and reports, his historical base of operations is located in the mountains of Badiraguato, Sinaloa, in the area known as the Golden Triangle, from where he allegedly maintains control over drug cultivation and trafficking routes to the United States.
El Guano evades capture
On Sunday, December 14, residents of the town of El Durazno, in the municipality of Tamazula, reported hearing a large number of helicopters flying overhead, which woke the town and indicated an unusual deployment in the region.
