Heavy Military Operation Against Gente del Guano in the Golden Triangle

By "Karamazov" for Borderland Beat

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, a major military operation took place in El Durazno, Tamazula, Durango—an area heavily contested by drug trafficking organizations within the so-called Golden Triangle. Initial reports claimed that Aureliano Guzmán Loera (“El Guano”) had been captured, but authorities later clarified he was not detained, although several others were arrested.

According to the official report released by authorities, those detained include Abel “N,” identified as a right-hand man of “El Guano’s”; Eber Israel “N,” a financial and logistics operator responsible for procuring weapons, drones, and explosives; and Etzair Lugo “N,” the group’s security chief, tasked with confronting rival organizations. Seven additional individuals were also detained, although no specific charges have been disclosed. Authorities also reported the seizure of one Minimi 5.56 mm machine gun and ten long guns of various calibers.

Image: Tamazula, Durango (Río Doce: https://riodoce.mx/2023/02/24/reportan-operativo-de-semar-y-sedena-en-tamazula-durango/)

Who is Aureliano Guzmán Loera, a.k.a. “El Guano”?

Born in La Tuna, Sinaloa, Aureliano Guzmán Loera is the elder brother of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the imprisoned former Sinaloa boss. Although far less known than his infamous brother, “El Guano” has maintained a low profile, operating largely in his shadow. Little is publicly known about him beyond official reports linking him to drug production and transportation in the Golden Triangle, as well as a $5 million bounty on his capture.

 

ICE Most Wanted (Aureliano Guzman Loera): https://www.ice.gov/most-wanted/guzman-loera-aureliano

He was long regarded as a minor figure in the criminal landscape, gaining notoriety only after the conflict between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza escalated. Initially attempting to remain neutral, he was eventually drawn into the conflict due to family ties and an inability to forge alliances with other cartels in the region.

In the current conflict, his capture would be significant, as his faction—alongside Los Calabazas—remains among the few still actively fighting La Mayiza. His removal could further weaken Iván Archivaldo’s position.

Although SEDENA and Omar Harfuch confirmed that “El Guano” was not detained, it is worth noting that he has evaded capture in several operations—reportedly at least three times—despite being over 70 years old. Reports indicate he suffers from diabetes and travels with a private doctor, frequently relocating (“salto de mata”), underscoring his continued ability to evade authorities.

It is also unclear why the full list of detainees was not immediately released. Such omissions sometimes occur in operations where detainees are later released. Although the official statement indicates that authorities were targeting high-ranking members of “El Guano’s” faction, it remains uncertain whether those reported arrested justified a large-scale military operation in the Golden Triangle.

At the same time, it is unclear whether the government is weighing the risks of publicly confirming the capture of “El Guano,” given the potential implications of any statements he could make in the United States. Following the death of “El Mencho,” the death of another high-profile capo in government custody could draw increased scrutiny toward the administration.

Sources: Azucena Uresti, ICE, Riodoce