Drones loaded with explosives strike Badiraguato, forcing residents to flee and targeting properties linked to the Guzman family.
CULIACAN: Explosive-laden drones have attacked the hometown of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Sinaloa state governor Ruben Rocha Moya confirmed the strikes on Badiraguato during a Tuesday news conference.
Authorities did not specify when the attacks occurred, though displaced residents reported incidents beginning in September.
“Drones were indeed used,” Rocha stated, adding that displaced people were receiving government assistance.
Dozens of residents have been forced to leave the area due to the violence.
Badiraguato represents both Guzman’s birthplace and a historical stronghold for Mexican drug trafficking operations.
Anonymous displaced residents told AFP the most recent attacks targeted La Tuna farm, which belongs to Guzman’s family.
Witnesses confirmed other properties were also targeted in the drone assaults.
More than 80 families received threats from armed groups operating in the region.
One Bacacoragua municipality resident reported the latest drone attacks began on September 16.
This witness left her village in early October due to the escalating violence.
Another fleeing resident described armed men blocking farm access and cutting electricity in the area.
Mexican criminal groups increasingly use drones to attack both rivals and authorities.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel has employed drone technology since 2020, according to Insight Crime analysis.
Guzman received a life sentence plus 30 years in prison during his 2019 conviction.
Authorities have been contacted for confirmation and additional details about the reported incidents. – AFP
