Marines Conduct Air, Ground Operation in Sinaloa Seeking "Los Chapitos" Cell Chief

Mexican Marines have launched a significant air and ground operation in the border region between the Escuinapa and El Rosario municipalities in southern Sinaloa. The operation is reportedly focused on apprehending Oscar Luciano, alias "El Casco 81," who is identified as the leader of a criminal cell associated with "Los Chapitos," a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The search for "El Casco 81" intensified following the arrest of his brother, Gabriel Nicolas, known as "El Gabito," on June 1 in Mazatlán. "El Gabito" was considered a key leader within the "Los Chapitos" group. The current operation involves the surveillance of the "Cerro de Agua Verde" area by two armed Marine helicopters, with residents in the vicinity reporting federal authorities' search for "El Casco 81" on social media.

Despite the visible deployment of heavily armed Marine units in the rugged areas bordering Escuinapa and El Rosario, neither federal nor state authorities have released official information regarding the operation's progress or results. This lack of official communication has fueled speculation among local residents who have observed the extensive military presence.

This operation follows a prior incident on May 24, where naval elements were reportedly attacked by an armed group on the Mazatlán-Nayarit highway. During that encounter, 13 members of Oscar Luciano's group were detained approximately 15 kilometers from a toll booth in El Rosario municipality.