A fierce clash between hitmen from rival criminal cells took place on the night of Thursday, May 28, in the Riberas de Tamazula sector, located in northern Culiacán, Sinaloa. The preliminary toll from the skirmish stands at one gunman dead and five individuals detained—two of whom sustained injuries. Additionally, it has been reported that one of the groups involved belonged to “Los Rusos,” a faction of the “Mayiza” cartel.
The incident began when a heavily armed squad arrived at a two-story residence situated on Riberas del Río Street. The attackers began vandalizing the property with the intention of forcing their way inside; however, from within the home, another group of armed civilians repelled the assault, triggering an intense shootout that lasted for several minutes and alarmed local residents.
Although initial unofficial reports suggested that the armed confrontation was occurring between law enforcement officers and criminals, this account was subsequently ruled out by security agencies as official information emerged, confirming that the incident was, in fact, a direct dispute between rival organized crime factions.
Once the gunfire ceased, paramedics from the Mexican Red Cross arrived at the scene to provide first aid to those involved. At the site, the death of one alleged hitman was confirmed; his body was found lying beneath a white vehicle that had crashed into the gate of the vandalized residence. Additionally, emergency responders stabilized two of the wounded attackers, who were then transported under strict police custody to a local hospital.
Following the cessation of hostilities, law enforcement personnel from all three levels of government implemented a major security perimeter operation in the area. As a result of this tactical intervention, authorities secured the following items:
Five hitmen detained (including the two currently hospitalized).
Two late-model vehicles. A property being utilized as a safe house.
Various high-powered weaponry (long guns, magazines, and live ammunition).
The crime scene was handed over to forensic experts and investigative agents from the State Attorney General’s Office for the collection of ballistic evidence and the transfer of the body to the Forensic Medical Service (Semefo). At this time, the identities of both the deceased and the five detainees are being withheld by the investigative authorities, who are currently compiling the corresponding case file.
