After security authorities captured Ovidio Guzman, one of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s sons. There looked to be intense fighting across the city of Culiacan. Three years ago, an effort to arrest the president of Mexico resulted in his humiliation.
As a result of the capture of one of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s sons wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges. Gunfights have erupted in the capital of the Mexican state of Sinaloa.
In a predawn raid in Culiacan, the Army and National Guard detained 32-year-old Ovidio Guzman. According to Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval.
In an attempt to arrest Ovidio three years ago, the government was humiliated. When President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador authorized the military to release him after militants attacked the city with high-powered weapons.
This time, local and state officials in Sinaloa advised citizens to remain indoors, canceled local government activities. And closed schools, while the Mexican military shut down the airport in Culiacan due to gunshots.
Aeromexico said that one of their aircraft was struck by gunfire before a flight to Mexico City. But no one was injured.
Ovidio Guzman is arrested
Passenger videos shared online revealed individuals crouching on the plane’s floor while gunfire could be heard in the background.
David Tellez, the passenger who filmed individuals on the plane crouching after hearing gunshots, was traveling with his wife and three children after seeing his in-laws.
Mr. Tellez, whose daughter can be heard screaming in the footage he filmed, told. “As the plane was preparing to take off, I saw army planes land. Then, five seconds before takeoff, I heard gunfire, and the captain returned the aircraft to the terminal.
“I then learned that the jet had been shot down. Because the city is on fire and many highways are closed, we intend to spend the night at the airport.”
Mr. Tellez reported that when he was checking in, airport employees instructed him to seek refuge in a restroom. But they were later advised it was safe to fly.
Other clips appear to show intense fighting throughout the city as helicopter gunfire illuminates the sky.
Mexico will extradite him to the United States
The capture of Ovidio comes a week before Mr. Lopez Obrador hosts a North American leaders summit in Mexico City. Where US President Joe Biden is likely to bring up drug trafficking.
“This is a big triumph for the rule of law and a significant blow to the Sinaloa cartel.” Said Mike Vigil, the DEA’s former chief of international operations.
However, it will not slow the flow of pharmaceuticals into the United States. “We hope Mexico will extradite him to the United States.”
Six months of cartel territory surveillance
Mr. Sandoval stated that the detention of Ovidio was the product of six months of reconnaissance and surveillance in cartel territory.
National Guard forces saw SUVs, some with makeshift armor. And instantly coordinated with the army as they built a perimeter around the suspicious cars. And compelled the occupants to go out so they could be searched.
Mr. Sandoval stated that the security officers came under fire but were able to regain control. And identify Ovidio among those there and in possession of firearms.
Cartel members erected 19 barricades at every entry point to the city of Culiacan. Including the airport and the local army post.
A faction leader of “the juniors.
Mr. Sandoval stated that Ovidio was the commander of a Sinaloa group he referred to as “Los menores” or “the juniors”. Also known as “Los Chapitos” or “the tiny Chapos.”
Two of his brothers, Ivan Archivaldo Guzman and Jesus Alfredo Guzman, are alleged to have overseen cartel operations with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, making them the other “little Chapos.”
Mr. Vigil stated that the Chapitos had increased their authority over the cartel due to Zambada’s ill health and isolation in the mountains.
“The Chapitos are aware that once El Mayo dies, (the cartel) will disintegrate if they do not maintain power,” he claimed.
It will be crucial that the United States request Ovidio’s extradition swiftly and that Mexico comply.
The US offered a $5m award
In a federal indictment filed in 2018 in Washington, DC, Ovidio was charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis in the United States.
The United States has offered a $5 million (£4 million) reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Ovidio. A prominent member in the cartel since the imprisonment of his father.
Uncertain if Ovidio will be extradited to the United States like his father. Who is serving a life sentence at the Supermax prison in Colorado.
