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

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

The areas are located in the mountainous Badiraguato region, known as the birthplace of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. The violence has led to the closure of schools and created a state of fear throughout the region.

The incident came after two men were killed in violent clashes that began on Tuesday and continued into the early hours of Wednesday. According to reports, rival groups got into a gunfight, leaving two trucks riddled with bullets. The identities of the victims are unknown, but federal troops, including the National Guard and the Mexican army, have been sent to the region in an attempt to stabilize the area.

Fear spreads in Badiraguato

José Paz López Elenes, mayor of Badiraguato, confirmed the closure of schools and the strong presence of the federal government in local media. He noted that although the violence was concentrated in the Sierra, outside the municipal center, fear has gripped the community. The mayor stressed that he receives only scattered information from local officials about the incidents in the mountainous areas, which are notoriously difficult to control.

“We expect that the presence of the Marina and the army will deter these armed groups from continuing their activities,” said López Elenes, who stressed that despite the school closures, the city itself has remained relatively calm. He remains hopeful that federal forces will restore order in the coming days, allowing a return to normal.

Safety for the children

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

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

The area’s remoteness 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 armored vehicles patrolling the roads has done little to ease residents’ fears.

Federal response and escalation

In response to the escalating violence, federal troops have been mobilized, with helicopters and military convoys racing through the Sierra. Sinaloa’s secretary of state for security confirmed that the operations were routine federal actions aimed at neutralizing potential threats in the region. However, many local residents have expressed concern that these military maneuvers could provoke more confrontations between rival groups, potentially fueling further instability.

Social media has been abuzz with videos of low-flying helicopters and trucks full of federal troops, stoking fear and speculation among residents. The recent clashes are just the latest in a long line of violent incidents to plague Badiraguato and cast a shadow over the city’s efforts to shed its infamous image.