Cae "El 20", regionalni vodja "Los Chapitos"; povezan je s smrtjo petih vojakov v operaciji za aretacijo Ovidio Guzmana

Mexican authorities have arrested Adrián "N," known as "El 20," a regional leader of the Pacific Cartel, in connection with the deaths of five military personnel during an operation aimed at capturing Ovidio Guzmán, also known as "El Ratón." The arrest took place in Villa Unión, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, according to a joint statement issued by the Ministry of National Defense. The operation was carried out by forces from the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security and Citizen Protection, the National Guard, the Navy, and the Attorney General’s Office. According to the statement, Adrián "N" operated as a regional commander overseeing territories including El Palmito, El Rosario, Escuinapa, La Concordia, Mazatlán, and Villa Unión in Sinaloa. In Culiacán, he was implicated in an attack against members of the Mexican Army on September 30, 2016, which resulted in the death of five soldiers. In addition to his role in the 2016 incident, Adrián "N" was involved in attacks targeting military personnel and facilities during attempts to capture Ovidio Guzmán in 2019 and 2023. During these incidents, he allegedly participated in assaults that led to casualties among armed forces. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of two heavy machine guns, four firearms, 30 ammunition clips, 2,158 bullets, one vehicle, and tactical equipment. These items were seized and turned over to the public prosecutor's office. The Ministry of National Defense, under the leadership of Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, noted that the arrest of "El 20" follows the detention of another cartel figure, Gabriel "N" or "El Gabito," who is linked to the kidnapping and murder of six employees and four suppliers of a mining company in Sinaloa on January 23, 2026. This case marked a significant escalation in violence against private sector workers in the region. Further, the ministry highlighted the death of Christian "N" or "El Texas," a local commander based in Culiacán, whose killing added to the ongoing conflict involving high-profile cartel figures and law enforcement efforts. The arrests underscore the continued challenges faced by security forces in combating organized crime in Sinaloa, a state long plagued by drug-related violence. The involvement of multiple agencies in the operation reflects the complexity of the situation and the need for coordinated action against criminal networks. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 2016 attack and other incidents attributed to Adrián "N." The evidence gathered will be used in legal proceedings against him, potentially leading to charges related to homicide, conspiracy, and weapons possession. The broader context highlights the persistent threat posed by drug cartels in northern Mexico and the ongoing struggle to maintain public safety.