Army raids illegal arms factory in Plateau, arrests suspects

In a significant blow to the Sinaloa cartel's operations, Mexican authorities, bolstered by US intelligence, have apprehended three high-ranking associates of Aureliano Guzman Loera, also known as "El Guano," the brother of infamous drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The operation, which took place in the rugged terrain of Tamazula, a village straddling the Durango and Sinaloa states where "El Guano" holds considerable influence, resulted in the capture of ten members of his faction.

The individuals detained include Guzman Loera's "right-hand man," chief bodyguard, and financial and logistical aide, according to the Mexican defense secretary. This successful raid highlights the continued collaboration between Mexican and US security forces in combating transnational organized crime, despite underlying political sensitivities.

The arrests come at a time of heightened diplomatic friction between Mexico and the United States, particularly concerning the conduct of anti-narcotics operations. Recent reports of US agents operating in Mexico without explicit governmental approval have strained bilateral relations. President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration has reiterated its stance against foreign on-the-ground operations, advocating instead for intelligence sharing, a position that contrasts with previous US administrations' approaches to cartel enforcement.

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Aureliano’s Guzman’s “right-hand man,” chief bodyguard, and financial and logistical aide.