At least 12 suspected cartel members were killed Saturday in a failed attempt to free the son of a Sinaloa hitman on a highway in Sonora state, officials said.
The heavily armed group, carrying AR-15 and AK-47 assault rifles, targeted government forces after the recent arrest of Carlos Humberto Limon, son of cartel gunman Jesus Humberto Limon.
Security officials said the brazen midday attack near Hermosillo sought to rescue Carlos on alleged “crimes against health” charges. But authorities managed to repel the raid in a fierce gun battle.
State authorities said seven suspects escaped, probably wounded, while 12 died at the scene. Two officers were hospitalized in stable condition following the hour-long shootout.
Security forces seized a huge cache of weapons including bulletproof gear. The Limon family allegedly works for a faction of El Chapo Guzman’s sons within the splintered Sinaloa Cartel.
The foiled rescue attempt highlights Mexico’s ongoing cartel violence even after recent high-profile captures. With members often quick to retaliate, officials brace for potential reprisal attacks.