La Línea Cartel Enters Tamazula, Durango, and Kills Sinaloa Cartel Local Boss and His Family (Updated)

"Morogris" for Borderland Beat

The Mexican Army arrived at the scene of the shootout several hours later; at least one Army member was reported wounded (image credit: Posta)

On Sunday, the region of El Durazno in Tamazula, Durango, situated at the border of Sinaloa, became the site of an extensive cartel shootout that lasted for at least five hours, resulting in the deaths of close to a dozen individuals.

Newspapers from Chihuahua state and Durango say that the confrontation took place between the La Línea Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, with the Army arriving at the scene the following day.

It is believed that this violent confrontation has led to the death of more than 10 people.

While official confirmation is still pending from authorities, numerous media sources in Chihuahua and Durango are currently reporting on the casualty count.

Diario de Juárez newspaper says that La Línea Cartel made an incursion into Tamazula and killed the Sinaloa Cartel plaza boss and his family. El Monitor de Parral says that the family member they killed was named Pablo Flores and that the gunmen also killed his wife and two daughters (aged 10 and 15). At least one person is reported missing.

El Durazno residents highlighted that prior to the Army's arrival, criminal groups had barricaded entrances and intersections across the majority of the town's streets, effectively rendering both entry and exit by land nearly impossible. 

Social activities throughout the town were halted, prompting numerous residents to adhere to a self-imposed curfew.

It is worth noting that in October 2022, unidentified gunmen killed Sinaloa Cartel leaders Rafael Diaz Beltrán (aged 36), also known as El R, and Juan Carlos Gurrola Beltran (aged 40) in Tamazula.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths are unclear, and it remains uncertain whether they were killed by La Línea or by members from within their own cartel.

The Mexican Army regrouping in a field in Tamazula; residents shared several of these videos on TikTok over the weekend

Update: 8:21 PM Tuesday, August 29, 2023 (CST)

According to residents of Tamazula who spoke with Diario de Juarez, the cellular signal in the area was disrupted around 2pm.

The military is reportedly conducting a search for Aureliano Guzmán Loera, also known as "El Guano," who is the brother of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. 

These sources detailed that the military personnel themselves instructed residents to remain indoors, suspending all economic, social, and school activities.

This action was taken due to intelligence reports suggesting that El Guano is present in the region and is believed to be overseeing the ongoing clashes.

Residents reported that the gunfire in Tamazula had been ongoing sporadically for almost two days. But with the military's arrival, the situation has somewhat subsided, with El Guano now being the focus.

Hundreds of Ministry of National Defense personnel have been deployed via air and land, conducting patrols in the region known as the Golden Triangle.

Up until this update, the toll from these incidents stands at 12 fatalities and one injured soldier. However, official information from authorities regarding these events has yet to be released.

Picture shared by Diario de Juarez showing those who died in the shootouts

Sources: El Debate; Diario de Juarez; (2); El Sol de Durango; El Siglo de Durango

Note: This story is currently developing, and this article will be continuously updated as more information becomes available.