Unofficial reports suggest the capture of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, leader of Los Chapitos

On the afternoon of August 29, various unofficial reports began to circulate about the possible capture of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, known as "El Chapito", alleged leader of the "Los Chapitos" faction within the Sinaloa Cartel. The arrest reportedly occurred in the town of Jesus Maria, in Sinaloa, in the midst of intense clashes between members of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Mexican Armed Forces.

The first clashes were recorded in the municipality of Jesús María, specifically in the town of Paredones, where troops from the Mexican Army encountered armed resistance when trying to enter the area. This town was the same one where Ovidio Guzmán López, another of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's sons, was captured in January 2023. During the clashes, drug blockades and burning of vehicles were reported, spreading the conflict to various areas, including the Mexico 15 highway.

The mayor of Culiacán, Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil, confirmed through social media that, as a result of the actions of the Federal Government in the northern part of the municipality, episodes of violence had been recorded, generating fear among the population, which remembers previous events such as the "Culiacanazo" of 2019.

Despite the magnitude of the events, so far, federal and state authorities have not officially confirmed the capture of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán. However, journalist Azucena Uresti reported unofficially on his arrest, highlighting that the DEA is offering a reward of 10 million dollars for information leading to his capture.

Iván Archivaldo, also known as "The King of Cocaine", is considered one of the most powerful leaders within the Sinaloa Cartel, at the head of operations that include the production of fentanyl in laboratories located in Culiacán. He is identified as the most dangerous brother of "Los Chapitos" and direct heir to the criminal empire of his father, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.

In light of reports of his possible capture, the population of Culiacán has chosen to take refuge in their homes, while parents went to schools to pick up their children, fearing an escalation of violence in the region. Adding to the situation are two armed helicopters flying over the municipality of Jesús María, increasing tension in the area.

Local authorities have called for calm, saying that security forces are continuing to work to control the situation, although they have not confirmed the identity of the person arrested or the reason for the clashes.