A Christmas Eve meant for peace in Escuinapa, Sinaloa, was shattered by a sudden eruption of violence. During the afternoon of Wednesday, December 23, a series of explosions and the sound of high-caliber gunfire broke the silence in the southern part of the town, promptly raising the alert level for residents.
The intense roar, most strongly felt near Colonia El Roblito, created a shock wave that rattled homes. People in nearby areas like Pueblo Nuevo and Loma Bonita shared their panic on social media and messaging apps,describing how windows and doors vibrated from the blasts.
Fear grips Escuinapa as Violence Escalates
Residents described moments of intense fear. “It was as if they had thrown a bomb,” one resident of the affected area said, explaining they had never experienced such a strong vibration in their home before.
The explosions were quickly followed by the unmistakable sounds of a gun battle between armed groups, forcing families to seek shelter. The situation remained tense and visible.
The repeated incidents in neighborhoods like Loma Bonita and El Roblito have left the community feeling constantly vulnerable, especially during a time when the December holidays should bring a sense of peace and relief from the ongoing tension in the state.
The Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat is expected to release details in the coming hours regarding any possible arrests or the source of the explosions reported by residents.
Escuinapa Shaken by a Week of Unrest
December 17 (Wednesday): The week began with widespread violence that effectively paralyzed the municipality. Armed clashes between groups erupted in various parts of the town and rural areas from early in the morning, resulting in at least three deaths and five vehicles set ablaze.
The events included shootings with large-caliber weapons, roadblocks on the Mazatlán-Tepic highway (km 181-182) and the federal highway to Tequalilla, and the burning of a tractor-trailer and other vehicles.
December 18 to 20 (thursday to Saturday): No major incidents were reported, though the overall context of violence in Sinaloa-including reports of drones launching explosives in other areas-kept residents of Escuinapa on edge.
The State Attorney GeneralS Office (FGE) launched an inquiry into the events of December 17, but has not yet made meaningful public announcements.
December 21 (Sunday): Violence escalated again,mirroring the events of December 17.
Armed confrontations in urban and rural areas sparked panic, with explosions reported in residential areas like Centro, Paredones, and Santa Lucía. At least three people were killed, including two innocent bystanders: a taxi driver struck by a stray bullet in Colonia Paredones and a washing machine deliveryman hit by a vehicle fleeing the scene in Colonia Centro.
Roadblocks were reported on the Mazatlán-Tepic highway, and a home was burned in Colonia Santa Lucía.
December 22 (monday): The FGE confirmed the three deaths from the events of December 21, classifying them as homicides resulting from the confrontation, with two collateral victims and one injury. Officials Sheinbaum and Rocha Moya addressed the situation in public statements, emphasizing the clash between groups and the arrival of federal reinforcements.
The weekend saw a total of 22 homicides across Sinaloa, with escuinapa at the center of the violence.
December 23 (Tuesday): Federal forces arrested two minors, described as “narco children,” who were in possession of an arsenal, bringing the total number of minors arrested in connection with criminal activity to three for the week.The FGE continued its investigation into the homicides from December 21. While no new major confrontations were reported, the overall climate of violence persisted.
