Passengers throw themselves on floor after plane caught in Mexican cartel crossfire following capture of El Chapo's son
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A passenger plane was caught in the crossfire between Mexican cartel thugs and law enforcement as violence has erupted following the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, the son of infamous drug lord El Chapo.
Guzman was arrested yesterday (5 January) after having a shootout with Mexico City federal authorities and gang violence appeared to follow in response.
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Detained in the shootout in Jesus Maria for his part in the production and sale of fentanyl, armed police set up a number of blockades in order to trap and arrest El Chapo's son.
His capture took six months of reconnaissance and intelligence to pinpoint his location and prepare before an operation to arrest him was launched.
Cartel members retaliated with violence following Guzman's capture as local residents were carjacked and vehicles set on fire, while gunfire also erupted as security forces were attacked by cartel gunmen.
Authorities have warned people to stay indoors, though some trying to leave ended up getting stuck after their plane was hit by bullets.
Passengers on Aeromexico flight 165 departing from Culiacán Airport to Mexico City were forced to throw themselves to the floor of the plane after it was caught in the crossfire.
The plane was taxiing into position ahead of take-off when people on board heard gunshots nearby, with the flight forced to turn around and return to the airport.
Aeromexico released a statement on the incident, confirming that at least one bullet had struck the passenger plane when it was caught in the crossfire between gang members and security forces.
They said: "This morning a bullet impact was detected in the fuselage of a aircraft that was ready to operate flight AM165 on the Culiacán – Mexico City route, which was cancelled for security reasons.
"The plane never started its takeoff run. After this incident, the company’s protocols were activated and the authorities were notified. Clients and collaborators are safe."
"Aeromexico reiterates that the safety of customers and collaborators is and will continue to be its highest priority."
Videos of passengers aboard the plane taking cover have been shared on social media showing people crouched down on the floor.
While nobody on board the plane had been injured in the gunfire, a flight attendant confirmed that one of the plane's engines had been struck by a bullet in the crossfire, causing a leak.
Plane passenger David Tellez had been on the plane with his young family, and had hidden in the airport before take-off after hearing that cartel hitmen could be near.
Just as the flight was about to take to the skies a number of military planes landed at the airport before the passenger jet was hit by gunfire.
Passengers were then told to disembark the flight and moved to a windowless room for their own safety.
Featured Image Credit: David Tellez
Topics: World News, Crime, News, El Chapo
