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Operation Mongoose Azteca

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Operation Mongoose Azteca[1][2] is the code name for a joint operation carried out by US and Mexican intelligence and military forces to detect the criminal activities of the Sinaloa Cartel and which led to the capture of the son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, Ovidio Guzmán López, aka "El Ratón". After this successful operation, several municipalities including the capital of the state of Sinaloa, Culiacán, were the target of road blockades, gun fights and several other riots, orchestrated by militant forces of the Sinaloa Cartel.[3][4] After constant tracking and joint intelligence activities between the United States and Mexico, a Sinaloa Cartel convoy was located in the town of Jesus María, where Ovidio Guzmán was recaptured.[5]

Operation Mongoose Azteca
Part of the Mexican Drug War
DateAugust 1, 2022 – January 5, 2023
Location
Jesús María, Culiacán Municipality, Sinaloa, Mexico
Result

Mexican government victory, operation successful

  • Recapture of Guzmán
Belligerents
Mexico Mexico
United States United States		 Sinaloa Cartel
Commanders and leaders
Mexico Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Mexico Luis Cresencio Sandoval
Mexico Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez
Mexico Audomaro Martínez Zapata
Mexico Alfredo Salgado Vargas		 Ovidio Guzmán López Surrendered
Units involved

United States United States

Mexico Mexico

Sinaloa Cartel factions

  • Los Chapitos (also known as "Los Menores" or "La Chapiza")
    • Los Ninis

Background

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Ovidio Guzmán had been captured for the first time on October 17, 2019, and was held at his own home in Culiacán. Minutes after his arrest, multiple armed confrontations were reported at various points in Culiacán where even the Sinaloa Cartel threatened to directly attack civilians. By orders of the Mexican President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Ovidio Guzmán was released and armed forces withdrew from the area.[6][7][8]

After this first failed capture attempt, there were reports of eight deaths (one civilian), sixteen injuries, nineteen street blockades, fourteen confrontations, eight soldiers captured and released, and 68 military vehicles with bullet wounds,[9] as well as attacks against the Military Headquarters in Culiacán and the state C4 headquarters.[10][11] 51 prisoners escaped from the Aguaruto prison in Culiacán. Two of them were located in the following hours after a riot during which five guards were disarmed.[12]

After his release, Ovidio Guzmán was seen publicly in February 2020 when he attended the wedding of Alejandrina Gisselle Guzmán, the daughter of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera. Ovidio is the nephew of Blanca Margarita Cázares Salazar, also known as "La Emperatriz del Narco."

During the event, the Culiacán Cathedral was closed, and the incident gained significant attention on social media. Photos and videos capturing Ovidio Guzmán's presence circulated widely.[13][14]

In December 2021, the US Department of State published wanted posters for the four sons of jailed drug trafficker Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera, including Ovidio Guzmán, offering up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.[15][16]

According to leaked SEDENA files, at least since May 2021, the US has coordinated with SEDENA investigative and surveillance operations against members of the Sinaloa Cartel and the use of a platform called AMOSS (System Surveillance of Air and Maritime Operations).[17][18]

Prelude

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By August 1, 2022, Operation Mongoose Azteca was officially launched. Emails revealed by the hacking of the Guacamaya group show that officials from the US embassy intercepted communications between people identified as "hawks" at the service of Ovidio Guzmán in municipalities in Sinaloa, such as Badiraguato, the hometown of Joaquín 'el Chapo' Guzmán, Culiacán, Navolato or Elota.[19] Among the dozens of spied conversations, the US reports the ones it considers relevant and names them as "events."

There are at least two intelligence reports issued by the Air Operations area of the Customs and Border Protection Service of the US embassy in Mexico about wiretaps mentioning Ovidio Guzmán.

It is about the espionage of dozens of telecommunication radio locations in various points of Sinaloa on August 8 and 9, 2022, carried out by Air Operations of the embassy and whose findings were sent to commanders of the Sedena Air Force.

One of the first dialogues that they managed to intercept was a communication between 2 interlocutors, identified by intelligence as "UIM 1" and "UIM 2".

August 8

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  • In the first communication, known as "Event 1", UIM 1 is heard scolding UIM 2 because his "cocinero" was making comments about the operations he performs, mentioning that "how dare a simple cook talk about me". UIM 1 told UIM 2 that he must be aware of everything that happens in his area. The UIM 2 spoke in the morning with the boys from Alacran and they have already started (nothing concrete). UIM 1 replied; "you don't need to talk to anyone, just pass the report, can you imagine if he calls me my boss, and I don't have an update? Have you passed on the message I sent you?" UIM 2 informed UIM 1 that the military arrived in La Colonia de Culiacán checking the towns of La Ranchería, Coral Viejo, Los Cedritos and La Higuera. UIM 1 plans to get a motorcycle to make 2 to 3 daily trips to the office.
  • In the second communication, known as "Event 2", an unidentified group of scouts identified "una blanca" (small plane) in the neighborhood area. UIM 1 wants his group to track how the "bird" enters and leaves the area, saying "please keep your radios".

According to information from SEDENA, the "group" referred to by UIM 1 is the one that provides protection to the Cartel in the area and supervises deliveries.

  • In the third communication, known as "Event 3", UIM1 said: "Que Quiobole" (meaning, can anyone hear me)? UIM 2 asked UIM 1 if they could speak to "El Viejo" (nickname used by the person in charge of an area, referring to Ovidio Guzmán) and it is not urgent. UIM 2 will ask your boss if the meeting could be arranged.
  • In the fourth communication, known as "Event 4", UIM1 asked UIM 2; "where he is? Did you bring the equipment? I had someone waiting for you." UIM 2 replied, "I am at the Rosas town, let me find your guys, I have the"aparatos" (Word which is most likely referring to weapons)." UIM1 replied back to UIM2 to give them everything, including the rifles and the M5. UIM 2 said to expect a call from me once I deliver the equipment.
  • In the fifth communication, known as "Event 5", UIM 1 sent a message on the network indicating that 8100 radio are not working in the area, pay attention to 4 (possible network). Keep me informed of the Marina convoy in the area. CS GIO responded good copy. UIM 1 said we are here "Viejillo" and "Cholon Vago" Special Forces. UIM 2 will continue to guard the area, let me know if someone is coming, we are cooking "carne asada". UIM 2 mentioned the "Kaibiles" arrived, and they are enjoying the "carne asada." Referring to elements of the Guatemalan Special Forces, colloquially known as "Kaibiles".[20] This group currently provides training to illicit organizations in Mexico and that even Ovidio's elite hitmen escort had recently gone through Kaibiles before his arrest.

August 9

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  • In the first communication the next day, known again as "Event 1", UM 1 told UIM 2 that you and the boss "El Raton" (Ovidio Guzman's nickname) will always have my loyalty, you do not need to say it. I am at your service.
  • In the second communication, known again as "Event 2", a person identified as "CS Mochomo" asked his guys what is going on with that vehicle? UIM 1 responded are you talking about the black Ford Raptor located in the 22 (unknown area) next to the OXXO store? We are tracking the truck; the Raptor is loaded with rifles. CS Mochomo asked where you guys are coming from, what is the next move?
  • In the third communication, known again as "Event 3", UIM1 informed the group that it saw the Raptor pass near the seminary.

According to analyst reports, events two and three are related; they are separated by three minutes. The OXXO store is located 950 meters east of the seminary mentioned in Event 2; this store is also located in an area known as "Tres Ríos", an area which is controlled by the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel known as "Los Chapitos".[21][22]

The Operation

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Around 6:00 in the morning of January 5, 2023, elements of the Special Reaction Force, Special Forces of the Parachute Riflemen Brigade and personnel of the Special Forces Corps of the Mexican Army mobilized to the town of Jesús María, surprising the convoy of the Los Chapitos faction and where Ovidio Guzmán was transported.[23][24]

Later, after exchanging shots, Ovidio was transferred to his estate in Jesús María and proceeded to take refuge.[25]

After a long fight, the Mexican operators managed to break into Ovidio's estate, detaining the drug lord alive as well as 18 people who were with him.[26][27]

Transfer

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After the operation, Ovidio was transferred in a Mexican Air Force aircraft to Mexico City. The aircraft was attacked by gunmen from the Sinaloa Cartel from the outside while crossing the Culiacán Airport runway.[28][29] Ovidio was made available to the Deputy Attorney Specialized Investigation of Organized Crime, while Interpol Mexico completed an arrest warrant for extradition purposes.

The drug lord was admitted to the CE.FE.RE.SO. No. 1 (Almoloya de Juárez, State of Mexico).[30]

References

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  1. ^ Camacho, Zósimo (2023-01-13). "Mongoose Azteca, la operación militar que ubicó a Ovidio desde agosto". Contralínea (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  2. ^ ""Mongoose Azteca", el operativo que siguió los pasos de Ovidio Guzmán por meses". Lado.mx. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  3. ^ "Confirman detención de Ovidio Guzmán en Culiacán, tras enfrentamientos y narcobloqueos". Publimetro México (in Spanish). 2023-01-05. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  4. ^ "Terror en Sinaloa por balaceras y narcobloqueos". www.reforma.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  5. ^ "¿Quién está detrás de la captura de Ovidio Guzmán López, integrante de Los Chapitos? – Semanario El Pionero". semanarioelpionero.com.mx. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  6. ^ "AMLO admite que él ordenó la liberación de Ovidio Guzmán". ADNPolítico (in Spanish). 2020-06-19. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  7. ^ "Contrario a lo que afirmó Durazo, el 'Culiacanazo' demostró que sí hay un grupo criminal con capacidad para desafiar exitosamente a las fuerzas federales de seguridad". infobae (in European Spanish). 18 July 2020. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  8. ^ ""Culiacanazo": Sedena admite mejor capacidad de fuego del Cártel de Sinaloa". La Silla Rota (in Spanish). 2022-11-03. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  9. ^ "Así se vivió el Culiacanazo en 2019: el día más negro en la historia de Sinaloa". infobae (in European Spanish). 5 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  10. ^ "Enfrentamientos en Culiacán dejaron ocho muertos, entre ellos un civil: Sedena – Proceso". 2019-10-19. Archived from the original on 2019-10-19. Retrieved 2023-07-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  11. ^ "Así fue el minuto a minuto del operativo en Culiacán". ADNPolítico (in Spanish). 2019-10-30. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  12. ^ "Riots break out in the Culiacán prison after Ovidio Guzmán's arrest". MundoNOW (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  13. ^ "Ecos de la boda de la hija del Chapo: la Catedral de Sinaloa negó vínculos con el narco". infobae (in European Spanish). 18 February 2020. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  14. ^ Vázquez, Christian (2020-02-01). "Dan a conocer lujosa boda de Gisselle Guzmán, hija del Chapo, en Catedral de Culiacán". Sopitas.com (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  15. ^ Staff, M. N. D. (2021-12-17). "US State Department releases wanted posters for Guzmán brothers". Mexico News Daily. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  16. ^ "EU publica póster de "Se busca" de los hijos de "El Chapo"". El Universal (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  17. ^ "Operation Mongoose Azteca". Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  18. ^ "Air and Marine Operations Surveillance System | Homeland Security". www.dhs.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  19. ^ Álvarez, Karen (2023-01-10). "Anabel Hernández: EU y México trabajaron en conjunto para detener a Ovidio Guzmán". La Octava (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  20. ^ Camacho, Zósimo (2013-05-20). "#Kaibiles, tropas de elite contra la sociedad mexicana". Contralínea (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  21. ^ "¿Quién está detrás de la captura de Ovidio Guzmán López? – DW – 09/01/2023". dw.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  22. ^ "Operación 'Mongoose Azteca', Detención de Oviedo Guzman (a) El Raton" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  23. ^ Serrano, Gladys (2023-01-08). "Un pueblo atrapado en el fuego cruzado del segundo 'culiacanazo'". El País México (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  24. ^ Ferri, Pablo (2023-01-06). "Shootouts, burned-out cars and closed airports: Los Chapitos terrorize Culiacán after Ovidio Guzmán arrest". EL PAÍS English. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  25. ^ Hernández, Ángel (2023-06-01). "Fuerzas especiales vencieron a la escolta personal de Ovidio Guzmán". Grupo Milenio (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  26. ^ "Ovidio Guzman After Action Report" (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  27. ^ "Circula supuesta amenaza de 72 horas del Cártel de Sinaloa para la liberación de Ovidio Guzmán". sdpnoticias. 2023-01-06. Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  28. ^ García, Roger (2023-01-05). "#Video Disparan contra avión de la Fuerza Aérea Mexicana en Culiacán". López-Dóriga Digital (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  29. ^ Pérez, Miguel Ángel (2023-05-01). "Avión de Fuerza Aérea Mexicana sufre ataque en aeropuerto de Culiacán". Grupo Milenio (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved 2023-07-14.
  30. ^ "Ingresan a Ovidio Guzmán al Cefereso #1 del Altiplano en el Edomex". Mediotiempo (in Spanish). 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2023-07-14.


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