During a surveillance operation in Caborca, Sonora, Mexican Navy (Semar) agents uncovered two heavily armored vehicles, commonly referred to as “monsters,” allegedly used by the criminal group Gente Nueva Salazar.
Members of the Sixth Naval Region, based in Guaymas, made the discovery on September 3 while conducting aerial and ground patrols in the Banori area. The vehicles were hidden in the brush and displayed signs of recent modifications.
One of the vehicles had the letters “GNS” painted on the front, an unmistakable reference to Gente Nueva Salazar. At the same time, the other ominously bore the name “Fury” above the driver’s hatch.
These “monsters” were reinforced with steel plates designed to withstand confrontations with rival cartel factions. Interestingly, despite their imposing armor, the vehicles appeared untouched by combat, with no visible bullet impacts or damage. This suggests the reinforcements had been completed recently.
Both units were equipped with specialized features, including periscope-equipped turrets and hatches that allow occupants to fire without exposing themselves, making them perfect tools for cartel warfare in Sonora’s rugged terrain.
These findings underscore the cartel’s ongoing militarization as they continue to escalate their presence in the region.
In addition to the armored vehicles, Semar agents also found a Browning M2 machine gun, often dubbed “the mother of all machine guns” for its immense power. This weapon, weighing nearly 40 kilograms (88 lbs.) and stretching over a meter and a half in length, boasts an effective range of 1,800 meters and can unleash up to 550 rounds per minute.
The Browning M2 is notorious for its use by various criminal groups in high-profile confrontations, such as the recapture of Ovidio Guzmán López—known as ‘El Ratón’—on January 5, 2023, in Culiacán, Sinaloa. That day, Los Chapitos employed these machine guns, along with other heavy weaponry, in a fierce battle with federal forces.
Gente Nueva Salazar, originally an armed faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, has operated independently since late 2023. This cell was founded by Adán Salazar Zamorano, alias ‘Don Adán,’ a Sinaloa cartel leader who was arrested in 2011 and extradited to the U.S. in August 2023.
The leadership of Gente Nueva Salazar passed through the hands of Jesús Alfredo Salazar Ramírez (‘El Muñeco’) and Adán Salazar, alias ‘El Indio,’ both sons of ‘Don Adán.’ ‘El Indio’ was assassinated in 2016, while ‘El Muñeco’ was arrested in 2012. Now, Crispín Salazar Zamorano, brother of Don Adán, is believed to be the group’s top figure.
The Salazar family openly distanced themselves from Los Chapitos in October 2023 by disregarding the supposed ban on fentanyl trafficking imposed by the Chapitos. The group has also been linked to the disappearance of journalist Alfredo Jiménez Mota in 2005 and the murder of Miroslava Breach in 2017.
Thanks for reading!
Mica
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2 Comments
The Browning M2 is one of the baddest machine guns ever created. John browning the legendary American gun maker, created it in 1919 I believe. And it is collectively known among American Armed Forces as the Ma Duece. It is still being produced, and used in warfare to this day, but there are three different types. Originally it was water cooled, but now it is air cooled to reduce weight. And is capable of firing 1300 rounds per minute of 50 caliber rounds. In World War II you had to have multiple barrels because they overheated or melted so frequently but it’s a much more reliable weapon these days here are the stats on all three types of the Ma Duece. since World War II many countries, including the United States, and Mexico, have used the most potent version of this weapon in their aircraft, where it is, the equivalent, in terms of damage, inflicted of a 20 mm cannon.
Mass
38 kg (84 lb)
28 kg (62 lb) (AN/M2)
58 kg (128 lb) with tripod and traverse and elevation mechanism (T&E)
24 lb (11 kg) barrel weight[7]
Length
1,654 mm (65.1 in)
1,429 mm (56.3 in) (AN/M2)
Barrel length
1,143 mm (45.0 in)
910 mm (35.8 in) (AN/M2)
Cartridge
.50 BMG (12.7×99mm NATO)
Action
Short recoil-operated
Rate of fire
450–600 rounds/min (M2HB)[8][9]
750–850 rounds/min (AN/M2)
1,200–1,300 rounds/min (AN/M3)[10]
Muzzle velocity
2,910 ft/s (890 m/s) (M33 ball), 78 ft (24 m) from muzzle[11]
3,050 ft/s (930 m/s) in manual[12][13]
Effective firing range
1,800 m (2,000 yd)[8]
Maximum firing range
7,400 m (8,100 yd)
Feed system
Belt-fed (M2 or M9 links)
Thanks for reading! I’ve researched the M2 along with the M134.
Allegedly, El Mencho has two M134S in his protection package. I’m not surprised he has this armament. In 2015, Mencho had access to an RPG to take down a military Eurocopter Cougar helicopter.