Mexican Military Announces 11 Killed in Raid Targeting Sinaloa Cartel Leader

By WSN Editorial TeamTech ReporterMarch 20, 20263 min read

A military raid in Sinaloa led to the death of 11 individuals and the arrest of a key cartel figure, amid ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Mexico.

Mexican authorities announced that 11 people were killed during a raid in Culiacan, part of the northern state of Sinaloa, targeting Omar Oswaldo Torres, leader of the Los Mayos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Mexican Navy stated that its personnel faced an attack at the raid site and returned fire, leading to the deaths.

Torres, known as 'El Patas,' was detained in the operation. The Navy reported seizing high-powered weapons and tactical equipment from the scene.

Details of the Raid

A woman identified as Torres's daughter was present during the raid but was released due to no apparent connection to criminal activities, according to the Navy's statement. This operation occurred amid broader efforts by Mexican forces to address cartel-related violence.

In recent years, the Los Mayos faction has clashed with another Sinaloa Cartel group, Los Chapitos, named after former leaders Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, both imprisoned in the United States.

This raid follows other regional law enforcement actions, including a joint operation with Ecuador and Colombia that arrested the leader of the Los Lobos crime group. Last month, a separate operation in Jalisco resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Mexican officials have emphasized tackling drug trafficking, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling for stronger measures against cartels. Trump has labeled groups like the Sinaloa Cartel as foreign terrorist organizations and advocated for intensified actions.

In response to such operations, criminal groups have escalated violence, including roadblocks and attacks on security forces. Mexican officials have urged the U.S. to curb the flow of illicit weapons into Mexico, highlighting ongoing challenges in the fight against organized crime.