The Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) confirmed the death of 19 people following a confrontation between soldiers and 30 hitmen during the arrest of Edwin Antonio Rubio López, alias "El Max" or "El Oso". The incident took place in the rural community of Plan de Oriente, known as Ejido El 12, located 11 kilometers east of Culiacán.
Rubio López is identified as the leader of a criminal cell associated with the faction of Ismael Zambada "El Mayito Flaco", which is in conflict with the group of Los Chapitos, sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. "El Max" has been actively involved in episodes of violence in Culiacán and nearby municipalities since September 9, when the confrontations between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza began.
During the operation, Sedena seized several weapons, including 4 machine guns, 17 long guns, 5 handguns, 1 Barret rifle, 18 tactical vests, 9 ballistic helmets, as well as several vehicles and cartridges of various calibers. Both the detainee and the secured material were handed over to the Attorney General's Office for further investigation.
Edwin Antonio Rubio López, known as "El Max", is considered one of the priority targets in Mexico due to his significant involvement in activities related to organized crime and drug trafficking to the United States. Rubio López led a criminal cell and had an arrest warrant since 2019. He is accused of drug trafficking from Culiacán to the city of Los Angeles, United States.
