Drug Cartel Update the Week of May 14, 2023

In this edition:

• Tragic Ambush on National Guard Reveals Rising Tensions in Culiacán (video below *Graphic)

• US Senator Suggests Military Intervention in Mexico to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

• Grupo Escorpión Interrogates Captured Enemies in Tamaulipas

• Cartel Gunmen and Mexican Army Engage in Border Shootout (video included)

• The Role of Social Belonging in Criminal Group Recruitment

• Judge Acquits Alleged Leader of 'Guerreros Unidos' on Organized Crime Charges

• Captured Hitman Reveals Insider Details of Organized Crime (video link included)

• Inmate Murders Targeted Abigael González Valencia, Second-in-Command of Jalisco New Generation Cartel

• CJNG Interrogates Carlos Donato Garcia, Hitman for Los Alemánes Cartel

• Hector Elias Flores Aceves, aka El 15, Arrested for Crimes in Cancun

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Tragic Ambush on National Guard Reveals Rising Tensions in Culiacán (video below *Graphic)

An ambush on a National Guard convoy, reportedly near Culiacán, resulted in at least three casualties, including a young soldier found deceased in the back of a vehicle. The convoy, made up of several open-backed pick-up trucks, was attacked from a wooded area alongside a rural road. The vehicles, offering little cover for their passengers, were riddled with bullet impacts. Although no official statement has been made by municipal, state, or federal authorities, social media sources suggest that the "Los Chapitos" faction of the Sinaloa Cartel may be responsible. This attack may also be linked to recent low-altitude helicopter activity over Culiacán. See video below of the aftermath of the shooting.