Culiacán, Sinaloa — Governor Rubén Rocha Moya confirmed on Monday the arrival of 100 additional army special forces personnel to Sinaloa as part of an ongoing security operation aimed at curbing violence in the region. These reinforcements will bolster the 200 special forces troops already stationed in central Sinaloa, bringing the total number of specialized troops to 300.
“We will have 300 special forces, those who have already been acting and are participating in coordination with the Air Force,” said Governor Rocha Moya. “The contingent will arrive soon. On Saturday, 600 army personnel arrived, and we had already received 200 special forces personnel, along with aircraft support, including Texans—the planes—and helicopters,” the governor added.
The arrival of these additional forces underscores the state’s commitment to addressing ongoing security challenges, which have been exacerbated by clashes between armed civilians. Rocha Moya emphasized that the special forces deployed to the state possess advanced training that equips them to operate both on land and in the air, allowing for more agile and efficient responses to emerging threats.
According to the governor, the integration of these highly trained soldiers into the existing security apparatus enables the swift mobilization of resources, particularly in rural and urban areas. The special forces are working in conjunction with the Air Force, which is providing aerial support to enhance the operational capabilities of security personnel on the ground.
“They have special training to be able to act on land and in the air, and this makes security checkpoints much more agile,” explained Rocha Moya. He noted that security cordons are established as early as five in the morning, a measure that has proven instrumental in maintaining control over key areas of the state.
Rocha Moya was quick to dispel concerns that the state’s security situation has spiraled out of control, asserting that authorities remain in control despite the violent confrontations between criminal groups. “The state has not been overwhelmed by the clashes between armed civilians,” he stated, stressing that the government is prepared to respond to any further incidents. Rocha Moya pointed to the reduction in clashes as evidence of the effectiveness of the increased military presence, attributing the improved security environment to the efforts of the armed forces.
The governor’s announcement comes at a critical time for Sinaloa, a state that has long grappled with organized crime and cartel-related violence. The state’s strategic importance to drug trafficking routes has often placed it at the center of cartel activity, leading to periodic escalations in violence. In response, federal and state authorities have repeatedly turned to military forces to restore order and prevent further bloodshed.
The coordinated effort between the army and air force represents a significant escalation in the state’s fight against organized crime. The deployment of 300 special forces soldiers, coupled with aerial support, is intended to create a deterrent effect and to bolster security in both Culiacán and more rural regions that have seen an increase in violence.
Governor Rocha Moya’s administration has prioritized security since taking office, working closely with federal authorities to implement a multi-faceted strategy aimed at neutralizing criminal organizations. While the situation remains fluid, the governor expressed cautious optimism that the presence of special forces will continue to reduce violence and create safer conditions for residents.
The arrival of these troops forms part of a broader national security strategy being pursued by the federal government under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The deployment of military personnel in civilian areas remains a contentious issue, with critics arguing that the use of armed forces should be limited to extraordinary circumstances. However, supporters of the approach contend that the heightened military presence is necessary to address the ongoing security crisis and restore order to states like Sinaloa, which have been deeply affected by cartel violence.
For now, the reinforced military presence in Sinaloa represents a significant show of force and a clear message from the Rocha Moya administration: the state will not yield to criminal elements, and it will continue to employ every available resource to protect its citizens.
As the operation unfolds, authorities will be closely monitoring the impact of these additional troops, particularly in regions that have been flashpoints for violence in recent months. While the road to peace and stability remains uncertain, Governor Rocha Moya has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the people of Sinaloa, no matter the challenges ahead.
