Mexican authorities confirmed on Monday the arrival of 1,500 additional military personnel in the western state of Sinaloa to deal with the rise in crime that has escalated following the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán, son of drug trafficker Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Ministry of National Defense (Sedena) has indicated that troops have arrived by land to reinforce the efforts of the Mexican Army and the National Guard.
«The main mission of military personnel is to strengthen the rule of law and collaborate with the authorities in the arrest of members of organized crime, acting at all times with full respect for human rights,» reads a Sedena statement highlighting the qualities of the troops.
In addition, the soldiers will assist local authorities in providing social assistance, food, health services, among others.
The arrest of Ovidio, alias ‘El Ratón’, took place last Thursday in Sinaloa, which created tension in the area, leading to clashes with security forces. In the aftermath, at least two police officers were killed and nearly two dozen people were injured.
Mexico’s Secretary of Defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval, assured that the arrest of Ovidio Guzmán had been a «resounding blow» to the Pacific cartel’s top leadership.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
