Escuinapa, Sinaloa, was rocked by explosions, drone attacks, roadblocks, and armed clashes on Wednesday, December 17, leaving residents in fear and authorities scrambling to restore order.
Violence Erupts in Southern Sinaloa
From the early morning hours, residents of Escuinapa reported intense gunfire and detonations across several neighborhoods. Videos shared on social media captured prolonged bursts of automatic weapons fire, some recorded near schools, sparking panic among families.
Authorities confirmed that criminal groups deployed drones carrying explosive devices, which were dropped on strategic targets, including homes and public areas. In one incident, a drone attack damaged facilities belonging to the municipal police, though no casualties were reported.
Roadblocks and Fires
The violence extended to the highways. Armed men hijacked trucks and trailers, using them to block the Acaponeta–El Rosario toll road, a vital route connecting southern Sinaloa with neighboring states. Several vehicles were set ablaze, creating massive traffic disruptions and cutting off access to the region.
Local reports also indicated that houses were riddled with bullets and some were set on fire, forcing families to flee for safety.
Government Response
The Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat (SSPSinaloa) acknowledged the situation, urging residents to avoid affected areas and follow instructions from security forces. Federal, state, and municipal authorities deployed reinforcements as part of an interagency operation to regain control.
Despite the scale of the violence, no official casualties have been confirmed. Schools and community events were suspended, and daily life in Escuinapa ground to a halt as fear spread among the population.
Outlook
The December 17 attacks highlight the increasingly sophisticated tactics of organized crime in Mexico, where drones and coordinated roadblocks are now common tools of intimidation. Authorities continue to investigate the incidents, while residents await the restoration of peace in their community.
Source: OEM
