A new confrontation between armed civilians shook the community of La Cofradía, in the rural area of Mazatlán, during the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
According to reports from residents, the confrontation began at approximately 12:40 a.m. and continued until around 3:30 a.m., lasting nearly three hours.
During the confrontation, residents reported hearing numerous gunshots and explosions. They also reported the use of drones to drop explosives during the clash between groups carrying high-powered weapons.
The violence generated fear among residents of La Cofradía and surrounding communities. Several families remained inside their homes during the confrontation because of concerns about possible retaliation and the intensity of the explosions and gunfire. Some residents said they had to take shelter under their beds or in other secure areas inside their homes.
Residents reported the events to the 911 emergency number, although fear of retaliation apparently delayed some of the calls for assistance.
The confrontation occurred along the route connecting La Cofradía with El Recodo, in the rural area of Mazatlán.
Pickup Truck Crashes Into a Tree
During the events, a white double-cab pickup truck without license plates crashed into a tree on the road toward El Recodo.
The vehicle also knocked down electrical cables, leaving part of the surrounding area without electricity.
The pickup was left abandoned on the section of road connecting Mexico 15 with El Recodo, with its engine running and visible damage. Authorities had not officially established whether the vehicle was directly connected to any of the armed groups involved in the confrontation.
Second Consecutive Day of Violence
The confrontation was reported as the second consecutive day of armed violence in La Cofradía.
Residents had already reported an armed confrontation in the same community on Thursday, August 20, when a burned vehicle, spent shell casings and explosive devices were found following a nighttime exchange of gunfire.
During that earlier incident, a Jeep was completely burned, while authorities found numerous spent rifle cartridges and explosive devices in the area.
Reports from that confrontation indicated that at least two explosive devices were allegedly launched from a drone, while other reports described the discovery of additional improvised explosive devices.
Violence Extends Toward the Road to El Recodo
Residents reported that armed clashes and gunfire have also been heard along the road from La Cofradía toward El Recodo.
The situation has affected transportation in the area. The local bus route temporarily suspended service, leaving residents without public transportation until further notice.
The suspension has affected people who depend on the service to travel between the community and other areas.
Authorities Arrive in the Community
Following the reports, authorities from the three levels of government arrived in the area to verify what residents had reported and to maintain surveillance.
The burned vehicle from the previous confrontation was removed by a tow truck under the supervision of government security personnel.
Authorities are expected to determine whether the abandoned pickup truck, the explosions and the reported drone activity are directly connected to the armed confrontation.
At the time of the reports, no deaths, injuries or arrests had been officially confirmed in connection with the new confrontation.
Residents Remain on Alert
Residents of La Cofradía remain concerned because of the repeated armed confrontations in the area.
The continued presence of armed groups and the reported use of explosive devices and drones have increased concern among residents of rural communities along the routes toward El Recodo and other areas of the Sierra.
The municipality of Mazatlán has also acknowledged the situation. Mayor Minerva Osuna Zavala said she would seek information from federal authorities in order to determine precisely what occurred in the rural area.
Residents continue to remain inside their homes as a precaution and are waiting for authorities to determine the security conditions necessary for transportation services and normal activities in the community to resume.
Source: oem
