By “Karamazov” for Borderland Beat
On Wednesday, April 22,
2026, a major military operation took place in El Durazno, Tamazula, Durango—an
area heavily contested by drug trafficking organizations within the so-called
Golden Triangle. Initial reports claimed that Aureliano Guzmán Loera (“El Guano”) had been captured, but authorities later clarified he was not detained, although several others were arrested.
According to the
official report released by authorities, those detained include Abel “N,”
identified as a right-hand man of “El Guano’s”; Eber Israel “N,” a financial
and logistics operator responsible for procuring weapons, drones, and
explosives; and Etzair Lugo “N,” the group’s security chief, tasked with
confronting rival organizations. Seven additional individuals were also
detained, although no specific charges have been disclosed. Authorities also
reported the seizure of one Minimi 5.56 mm machine gun and ten long guns of
various calibers.
Image: Tamazula,
Durango (Río Doce: https://riodoce.mx/2023/02/24/reportan-operativo-de-semar-y-sedena-en-tamazula-durango/)
Who
is Aureliano Guzmán Loera, a.k.a. “El Guano”?
Born in La Tuna,
Sinaloa, Aureliano Guzmán Loera is the elder brother of Joaquín “El Chapo”
Guzmán, the imprisoned former Sinaloa boss. Although far less known than his infamous
brother, “El Guano” has maintained a low profile, operating largely in his
shadow. Little is publicly known about him beyond official reports linking him
to drug production and transportation in the Golden Triangle, as well as a $5
million bounty on his capture.
ICE
Most Wanted (Aureliano Guzman Loera): https://www.ice.gov/most-wanted/guzman-loera-aureliano
He was long regarded as
a minor figure in the criminal landscape, gaining notoriety only after the
conflict between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza escalated. Initially attempting to
remain neutral, he was eventually drawn into the conflict due to family ties
and an inability to forge alliances with other cartels in the region.
In the current
conflict, his capture would be significant, as his faction—alongside Los
Calabazas—remains among the few still actively fighting La Mayiza. His removal
could further weaken Iván Archivaldo’s position.
Although SEDENA and
Omar Harfuch confirmed that “El Guano” was not detained, it is worth noting
that he has evaded capture in several operations—reportedly at least three
times—despite being over 70 years old. Reports indicate he suffers from
diabetes and travels with a private doctor, frequently relocating (“salto de
mata”), underscoring his continued ability to evade authorities.
It is also unclear why
the full list of detainees was not immediately released. Such omissions
sometimes occur in operations where detainees are later released. Although the
official statement indicates that authorities were targeting high-ranking
members of “El Guano’s” faction, it remains uncertain whether those reported
arrested justified a large-scale military operation in the Golden Triangle.
At the same time, it is
unclear whether the government is weighing the risks of publicly confirming the
capture of “El Guano,” given the potential implications of any statements he
could make in the United States. Following the death of “El Mencho,” the death
of another high-profile capo in government custody could draw increased
scrutiny toward the administration.
Sources: Azucena Uresti, ICE, Riodoce