Mexico once again experienced a day of violence after the Federal Government carried out a operation to recapture Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and one of the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. While his apprehension was successful, the consequences came soon after. A large number of armed criminals unleashed chaos in Culiacán to try to prevent the transfer of the detainee. The situation spread to the city’s airport, where an Aeroméxico plane was left in the middle of a confrontation.
According to local media reports, and from what can be seen in multiple videos, the members of the Sinaloa cartel, knowing that their leader would be transferred by air, headed for the Culiacán airport. A Mexican Air Force plane had already arrived at the place to move the boss to Mexico City. In fact, the aircraft had to perform a rapid descent maneuver due to the threat of enemy projectiles on the ground.
But that was not the only tense moment on the track. At approximately 10:00 AM, just as the Air Force plane landed, a group of criminals opened fire against himself. Unfortunately, an Aeroméxico plane (Embraer 190) that was about to take off was left in the middle of the projectiles. The passengers, among whom were some children, were forced to seek shelter.
In another video it can be seen that elements of the National Guard were also on the track trying to repel the attack. This material, like the previous one, was recorded by a passenger on the Aeroméxico plane:
#NOW 🚨 // WHY WERE THEY AIMING?
It is the voice of a child inside the Aeroméxico flight from Culiacán to CDMX.
The plane received at least one SHOT in the fuselage so it did not take off. Everything after the capture of Ovidio Guzman. pic.twitter.com/nMWhoLVqo1— What happens in Mexico? (@pasa_en_mexico) January 5, 2023
Although it was initially believed that the Aeroméxico plane had not suffered damage, subsequent photographs confirmed at least one bullet impact. This also damaged the rear fuselage and the hydraulic system. The airline itself launched a release to offer more details, also reporting that no passengers were injured.
“This morning a bullet impact was detected in the fuselage of an Embraer 190 team that was ready to operate flight AM165 on the Culiacán-Mexico City route, which was canceled for security reasons. The plane never started its flight career. takeoff. After this incident, the company’s protocols were activated and the corresponding authorities were notified, with whom we will coordinate the investigations. Customers and collaborators are safe. Aeroméxico reiterates that the safety of customers and collaborators is and will continue to be its highest priority.”
The events that took place with the Aeroméxico plane, and in general throughout Culiacán, caused the suspension of operations of air activity in the state of Sinaloa. The airports of Culiacán, Mazatlán and Los Mochis stopped any arrival or departure throughout the day.
The case of the shot down Aeroméxico plane was just one of many unfortunate events that took place in Culiacán. Drug traffickers blocked various parts of the city, setting fire to vehicles and businesses. The balance of the operation, so far and according to the official report of the Government of Mexico, is 29 dead (10 soldiers and 19 criminals).