Armed clashes in El Chapo's hometown in Sinaloa lead to widespread school closures

The ongoing clashes between rival armed groups in the rural areas of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, specifically around the areas of San José del Llano, Tamiapa, and Los Sitios, led to the suspension of classes, while absenteeism in the area surged to 70%.

The areas are located in the mountainous region of Badiraguato, known for being the birthplace of infamous drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. The violence has forced the closure of schools and has created a state of fear throughout the region.

The incident unfolded after two men were killed in violent confrontations that began on Tuesday and continued into the early hours of Wednesday. According to reports, rival groups engaged in a gunfight, leaving two bullet-riddled trucks abandoned. The identities of the victims remain unknown, but federal forces, including the National Guard and the Mexican military, have deployed to the region in an attempt to stabilize the area.

Fear Spreads in Badiraguato

José Paz López Elenes, the mayor of Badiraguato, confirmed the school closures and the heavy federal presence with local media. He noted that although the violence has been concentrated in the Sierra, outside the municipal center, fear has gripped the community. The mayor emphasized that he only receives scattered information from local officials about the incidents in the mountainous areas, which are notorious for being difficult to police.

"We expect the presence of the Marina and the military to discourage these armed groups from continuing their activities," López Elenes stated, highlighting that despite the school closures, the town itself has remained relatively calm. He remains hopeful that the federal forces will restore order in the coming days, allowing for a return to normalcy.

Safety for the children

The closure of schools in the affected areas was initially reported by local education authorities, who cited violence as the primary reason. Classes in San José del Llano, Tamiapa, and Los Sitios were officially suspended for the safety of students and staff. In the main town of Badiraguato, the decision to keep children home was largely made by parents, who feared for their safety despite no reported incidents in that part of the municipality.

"Parents are understandably worried," said a local school administrator. "Even if the violence isn't happening right here, it's too close for comfort. We have to prioritize the safety of our students."

The area's remote location and rugged terrain have long made it a haven for drug cartels, and its notoriety as the birthplace of "El Chapo" only adds to the tension. The sight of military helicopters hovering overhead and armed vehicles patrolling the roads has done little to ease the anxiety of residents.

Federal Response and Escalation

In response to the escalating violence, federal forces were mobilized, with helicopters and military convoys sweeping through the Sierra. The Sinaloa State Security Secretary confirmed that the operations were routine federal actions aimed at neutralizing any potential threats in the region. However, many locals have voiced concerns that these military maneuvers may provoke more confrontations between rival groups, leading to further instability.

Social media has been abuzz with videos showing low-flying helicopters and trucks filled with federal troops, sparking both fear and speculation among residents. The recent confrontations are just the latest in a long series of violent incidents that have plagued Badiraguato, casting a shadow over the town's efforts to shed its infamous image.