Day 718: Armed Convoy Battles Federal Forces in North Culiacán, Scatters Tire-Puncture Spikes — 16 Vehicles Damaged

At approximately 4:40 PM on July 11, 2026, federal agents attempted to stop a convoy of late-model vehicles carrying armed men near the road to Condado San Francisco, north Culiacán. When signaled to halt, the drivers accelerated and opened fire on the security units, triggering a running gunfight along the México 15 international highway toward the El Limón de los Ramos municipal office. During their escape, the gunmen scattered "ponchallantas" (metal tire-puncture spikes) across the roadway, damaging 16 civilian vehicles and two patrol units. No deaths or injuries from gunfire were reported. A helicopter conducted overflights to help search for the suspects, who ultimately evaded capture despite a three-level government mobilization.