Mexico: Increased security likely near Hermosillo, Sonora State, as of late Jan. 21 following high-profile arrest, exchanges of gunfire

Authorities will likely increase security in Hermosillo and surrounding areas in Sonora State as of late Jan. 21 following the arrest of Carlos Humberto "N" in the Las Minitas neighborhood earlier the same day. Humberto is the son of Jesus Humberto Limon Lopez ("El Chubeto," "El Cazador"), a member of the Chapito faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based on Mexico's Pacific coast. Following the arrest, a group of armed criminals attacked the security convoy transporting Humberto on Highway 100 between Hermosillo and Bahia Kino, possibly attempting to retake Humberto from government custody. The resulting gunfight between security forces and gang members killed at least 12 armed criminals and wounded an unknown number of others; at least two members of the security force also suffered injuries.

Authorities will probably deploy additional officers in the area in the coming days. Search operations are likely and could lead to localized transport disruptions. Clashes and gunfire exchanges are possible between security forces and members of armed criminal groups.