Mexican government confirms death of 10 criminals and one marine in Sinaloa fighting

Mexico's federal security cabinet confirmed that at least ten suspected criminals and one marine died in two consecutive armed clashes on Sunday in the Sinaloa municipalities of Mazatlán and El Rosario. The incidents occurred in the northwestern part of the country.

The first aggression took place in the community of San Marcos, Mazatlán. Naval personnel were conducting survey and monitoring operations in rivers and dams as part of climate prevention efforts to identify sudden water level increases and alert the population during the rainy season. During these duties, the marines were attacked with improvised explosive devices by alleged members of a criminal group. Three marines were injured, and one died while receiving emergency medical attention due to severe injuries.

In immediate response, personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), in coordination with the Secretariat of Citizen Security and Protection (SSPC), reinforced security in the region. After repelling a second aggression in the municipality of El Rosario, federal forces killed ten of the alleged attackers at the scene. During this tactical deployment, federal forces also detained three men linked to a criminal organization. They were found with an arsenal of firearms, ammunition, and tactical equipment, which were handed over to the competent authorities for the investigation.

The Secretariat of the Navy and the Security Cabinet expressed their condolences to the family of the fallen marine, recognizing his valor in the line of duty. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining operations to safeguard the rule of law in Sinaloa. The clashes occurred amid intensified operations by the Mexican Navy and security forces in the region to combat organized crime and drug trafficking. Sinaloa has been experiencing a violence crisis since September 2024 due to an internal war within the Sinaloa Cartel.