Gunmen Fire on Marines Near Mazatlán; 9 Alleged “Mayito Flaco” Cartel Members Caught With 40 Explosive Devices and a Machine Gun
Federal agents and Marines came under fire while patrolling the rural edge of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, near the Durango state line, and responded by arresting nine people — including a teenager — alleged to belong to the “Mayito Flaco” faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, according to Mexico’s Security Ministry (SSPC) as reported by La Crónica de Hoy and El Financiero on September 20, 2026.
What authorities say happened
During a ground patrol in the area bordering Durango, SSPC and Navy (Semar) personnel “were attacked with gunfire,” repelled the attack and then detained nine people, La Crónica de Hoy reported, citing the ministry. Neither report mentions injuries. Among those detained, per La Crónica, is Heriberto Aranda Carrizales, 52, alias “El Chore,” along with seven other adults between 20 and 36 years old and one adolescent. Official sources cited by the EFE news agency identified the group as members of the faction led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as “Mayito Flaco.” That affiliation is the authorities’ allegation; no charges were detailed, and all of the detainees are presumed innocent unless convicted.
What was seized
Authorities reported seizing 17 long guns, including a machine gun; more than 120 magazines; ammunition; grenade launchers; 40 improvised explosive devices; tactical gear; doses of marijuana; and six trucks, one fitted with homemade armor, according to La Crónica de Hoy. El Financiero’s EFE report lists the same haul.
Why Mazatlán matters
The arrests came one day after Security Minister Omar García Harfuch met with Sinaloa’s interim governor, Graciela Domínguez Nava, to formalize sending 1,600 Army troops to reinforce Mazatlán, La Crónica reported. The federal buildup comes amid violence tied to the war between Los Chapitos and Los Mayos, which began in Culiacán on September 9, 2024. Official figures cited in the report put the death toll from that conflict at more than 3,000.
Sources
- La Crónica de Hoy (Diana Chávez Zea), “Detienen a nueve presuntos integrantes del Cártel de Sinaloa en Mazatlán,” September 20, 2026
- El Financiero / EFE, “Capturan cerca de Durango a 9 integrantes del Cartel de Sinaloa; son de la facción del ‘Mayito Flaco’,” September 20, 2026
Reporting reviewed September 22, 2026. This article is based on the Security Ministry’s account as published by the linked outlets; The Narco Blog did not independently verify it. The detainees have not been convicted of any crime, and the minor is not named.