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Gunfights and a Drone Bombing Once Again Rock Escuinapa, Sinaloa

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By Samantha Johnson / July 17, 2026

By “El Huaso” for Borderland Beat

Numerous shootouts between security forces and criminal groups, raids on narco camps, and a drone bombing have rocked the town of Escuinapa in southern Sinaloa over the last few days, as the government struggles to restore order.

Rundown of events:
14 July: In two operations carried out in Isla del Bosque, Palmito del Verde and Escuinapa, the Mexican Navy seized firearms, ammunition, tactical vests, a pickup truck, and tire spikes.

13 July: One person died and at least four others were injured following simultaneous armed attacks on Monday morning in different parts of downtown Escuinapa. One shooting occurred in front of the Mayors home.

One man was killed by gunmen on calle Morelos.

13 July: Members of the National Guard arrested 10 people in the Francisco I. Madero neighborhood.

13 July: Soldiers found and destroyed three clandestine camps used by a criminal groups. During the operation, two people were also arrested. 

11 July: Man injured by shrapnel from a drone dropped explosive device in colonia Damaso Murua.

On 2 July, a severely tortured male corpse was found tossed on the side of a road in Escuinapa with a narco message. 

“For those who think that Güero Pin is still in charge, Ramiro is in charge here, that’s how they’re all going to end up.”

Misael Guererro, “El Güero Pin, was the Los Chapitos plaza boss for Escuinapa until he was arrested on 25 June. Ramiro is likely Ramiro Ramírez, alias “El Guicho”, a CJNG plaza boss for northern Nayarit and southern Sinaloa. According to All Source News, Ramiro took over for Güero Pin after his capture, to continue the fight against Los Mayos.

Escuinapa has become one of the most volatile municipalities in southern Sinaloa as organized criminal groups continue battling for control of trafficking corridors stretching toward neighboring Nayarit. The municipality has repeatedly experienced armed confrontations, road blockades, and military operations over the past year.


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