Capufe reported that the Coscomate and Mesillas Toll Plazas will remain closed for safety after vehicles were set on fire.
Narco-blockades continue on the Durango-Mazatlán highway and the free road leading to the port. Amid the criminal activity, hundreds of vehicles remain stranded, and as of this morning, at least six trucks or tractor-trailers have been burned; additionally, two male bodies were reportedly found near the Sinaloense tunnel.
According to the statement issued by CAPUFE shortly before 4:00 PM this Thursday, the closure in both directions continued without a scheduled reopening time.
“Durango – Mazatlán Highway, km 168. Closure to traffic in both directions continues due to incident response. For the safety of users, the Coscomate and Mesillas Toll Plazas will remain closed. Take precautions. For more information, call 088 of @GN_Carreteras.”
According to preliminary information from witnesses and people traveling this route, at least two tourist buses and four heavy trucks have been burned, which were seized by armed civilians who then set them on fire after blocking the roads. Additionally, the presence of tire spikes persists.
Relentless violence in Sinaloa
On the Sinaloa side, it is known that the death toll from the clashes has risen to nine, including the seven from Loberas and the discovery of two more bodies near the El Sinaloense tunnel on the Durango-Mazatlán highway.
Additionally, according to information from the Sinaloa Public Security Secretariat, a clandestine grave was found on the Benito Juárez bypass road still within the municipality of Culiacán, containing three deceased individuals. Some injured people have also been reported and have been taken to hospitals in Mazatlán for medical attention.
The National Guard and Sedena maintain a presence in the area, but uncertainty and narco-blockades continue.
Business leaders demand certainty from authorities
Business organizations in Durango, such as the Business Coordinating Council (CCE), the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO), and Coparmex, issued statements demanding federal and state authorities guarantee safety for travel.
They call for urgent attention to the security condition that paralyzes citizens, visitors, and commercial activity in businesses. “A paralysis between both entities must be avoided,” they emphasized.
Highway users have reported that some have been allowed to slowly return, but the closure continues until this afternoon.
Source: El Financiero
