24 hours later, I'm surprised, and also very happy to say that I haven't heard much negativity at all from people I know. Only one "I told you so!" today and the guy that said it is an idiot on an everyday basis anyway. Most people asked me if I had heard, and of course I said yes. I didn't try to defend or make excuses. Most said they really couldn't say anything bad, considering all the crazy shooters, pedophiles, car jackings and other everyday activities that go on in the US. That makes me happy. I'm so glad that so far I've been wrong in thinking that the incident yesterday was just going to bury our town. Is it a symptom of people becoming numb to violence in the world in general? I don't know and I really don't care. I hope RP continues to prosper, but it's not my job to convince anyone how to live their lives just as I don't want anyone telling me how to live mine. I will continue to come to RP every chance I get and let circumstances speak for themselves. The more times I go without anything happening to me, the better chance it will convince other people without me having to talk myself blue in the face.
Fox 11 Tucson just reported they found his blood in a truck that was shot up, but no sigh of Macho, Got away wounded they say. Your thoughts was he ever there?
Fox 11 Tucson just reported they found his blood in a truck that was shot up, but no sigh of Macho, Got away wounded they say. Your thoughts was he ever there?
Fox 11 Tucson just reported they found his blood in a truck that was shot up, but no sigh of Macho, Got away wounded they say. Your thoughts was he ever there?
How would they even know it was his blood? What DNA evidence did they ever have prior that they could have matched it to?
Kinda like flying after 9/11. Couldn't be any safer right after.
However, you should expect more military and additional security in the coming months well into 2014. Might be a little unnerving for some.
No doubt. American tourists are highly intimidated by highway checkpoints manned by heavily armed troops. The presence of military troops has no effect on cartel operations. It's as effective as putting water in your radiator when you run out of gas.
I think they have at least two of the huge villas at Las Palmas ;)
Yeah, and much of Las Conchas. With every event that depresses property values, the cartel operatives gobble up more real estate in Penasco. You see them coming from various parts of Mexico in the summer, vacationing with their families, filling the void left by the former American tourists.
Yeah, and much of Las Conchas. With every event that depresses property values, the cartel operatives gobble up more real estate in Penasco. You see them coming from various parts of Mexico in the summer, vacationing with their families, filling the void left by the former American tourists.
How would you even know who they were? What makes them look different than any other Mexican family? They're not all driving Rolls Royces.
One doesn't have to be a rocket scientist in order to sit back, sort out emotion from fact, and size up what is the real threat to one's security, then take the necessary precautions.
The whole deal was a tragedy, but the way I feel is that if you are afraid of what may happen if you venture to RP, don't go. It's anybody's guess as to when something like this will happen again but I will take my chances because I don't personally feel that anyone is targeting Americans or tourists in general. I will probably have to take another look at the situation if tourists are harmed, but for now I think I'll plan my next fishing trip.
Absolutely! Don't go anywhere that you don't feel comfortable. If you violate your feelings, it's almost a sure thing that you won't have a good time.
Joe, what is the probability of an American Tourist being killed in Sandy Beach (ok all of Penasco if that statistic is easier to put together)? How many american tourists have been killed in Penasco over the last 10 or 20 years. Since we are on the topic of probability, is an american at greater risk of dying from an ATV accident, drowning, choking on a taco, or drinking the water at Gua Gua's? Curious how death by cartel violence compares to other deaths based on probability for said American Tourist visiting the beach area. In my opinion, comparing the probability of an American tourist being killed by an act of cartel violence is about the same as the probability of someone being shot at a movie theatre in the US (again, using probability). Unless you are a klan member watching a movie in downtown Detroit.
Much more likely for an American tourist to be the victim of violence in the US. That's my opinion. More likely for an American tourist to be injured in Mexico due to his own stupidity, such as speeding, reckless driving, drunkenness, doing risky acts that they would never do in the US, etc.
That's my opinion. More likely for an American tourist to be injured in Mexico due to his own stupidity, such as speeding, reckless driving, drunkenness, doing risky acts that they would never do in the US, etc.
How ignorant are some of you? I can't stand this America is much more dangerous argument anymore! Some of the people on this forum need a lesson on PROBABILITY. Using statistics allows us to calculate PROBABILITY. I'm sick of hearing the, "you still go to the movies right? You still send your kids to school right? " argument from the cheerleaders. Someone mentioned that they will continue to go to Mexico and then stated why it's so dangerous to live in the US because of movie theater shooting, school shooting and even CARJACKING. Ok, ya'll are starting to get carried away. Fear mongering is the new sales pitch to why RP is safe. Let me tell you something about PROBABILITY.
Let's take carjacking as an example. I have been riding in a car for 29 years. Let's assume for the sake of finding a reasonable PROBABILITY that I've ridden in a vehicle once a day for 29 years. 29(365)=10,585 Now let's see the daily percentage (daily chance) of getting carjacked. 1/10585=.0000944733
I also loved the comment about how drug users caused this and if people would just stop using drugs we wouldnt have things like this happen. That is got to be the most IGNORANT comment I have ever read/heard.
The probability of predicting the future occurrence of a certain event is usually calculated from the historical occurrence of that event. Since there is no history of Americans being killed by cartel violence in Penasco, it is impossible to predict the future probability of occurrence of such an event. Any volunteers to establish an initial data point?
Haven't you ever been driving around with a long time resident of PP while they've pointed this way and that saying, "that's Cartel money right there?"
Now as far as our old friend frowning Jack is concerned, bad news follows him like flies follow a pig.
Thanks for agreeing with me, Kenny. That's a first! I don't understand the reason behind your derogatory jab. Unfortunately, a lot of posts reflect various degrees of imaginary paranoia about Penasco, and don't represent our perspective.
It's my opinion that the military did a very stupid thing, and unnecessarily put a lot of innocent lives at risk. With all of those bullets flying around in a populated area, it's nothing short of a miracle that there were no innocent serious injuries, or innocent lives lost as a result of collateral damage.
The probability of predicting the future occurrence of a certain event is usually calculated from the historical occurrence of that event. Since there is no history of Americans being killed by cartel violence in Penasco, it is impossible to predict the future probability of occurrence of such an event. Any volunteers to establish an initial data point?
If you flip a coin 99 times and it comes up heads 99 times, what are the odds it will come up heads for the 100th time?... Fifty, fifty.
I’m sorry to be the one to break the bad news to all of you so called “CHEER LEADERS” but Rocky Point is a strategic part of the cartels operation. It is the farthest north that the ocean goes into Mexico and is around 70 miles from hundreds of miles of unprotected boarder. All you have to do is take a nice little day trip from Mexicali across to Sonoyta on the Mexico side and you can make it into a nice little family driving game called count the drug smugglers. I have been going to Rocky Point for 25 years and used to sleep in a tent on sandy beach before all the resorts where there. The cartel has always been there and always will be there. I was there on Tuesday and was the one who spotted the Rolls Royce in town and saw all the military coming into town and I could instantly tell something was going on so I left instead of staying. With all this in mind I will still go down to Rocky Point.
Wow, All this bickering, all the He said-She said, I'm right and you're not and You're a #@*#.
Sounds like all of you need to head on down to Guau Guau's and settle this like men!
Either in the alley or the back rooms.
After a couple of hours of being entertained, you will hopefully feel the com-bye-ya!;)
And play nice together.
Happy Holidays to All.
Nothing like a good 'ol "high-end resort shootout" using a military helicopter to boost traffic to a particular blog site!
This thread alone has received over 30,000 views and over 5oo posts, in only 4 days! Curious how many new members have come aboard since Wednesday?
Hey Stuart, have you seen a ton of new members added this week?
Thanks!
I use this site a lot to get better quality news on RP, and more up to date, than I can get in Phoenix. Needless to say this is a great time to pay close attention to the details. I'm bringing my family down after Christmas to the Sun, and it's good to be informed. So, thanks for all the posts, those of us who just visit RP rather than live there full time get a lot out of the site.
I’m sorry to be the one to break the bad news to all of you so called “CHEER LEADERS” but Rocky Point is a strategic part of the cartels operation. It is the farthest north that the ocean goes into Mexico and is around 70 miles from hundreds of miles of unprotected boarder. All you have to do is take a nice little day trip from Mexicali across to Sonoyta on the Mexico side and you can make it into a nice little family driving game called count the drug smugglers. I have been going to Rocky Point for 25 years and used to sleep in a tent on sandy beach before all the resorts where there. The cartel has always been there and always will be there. I was there on Tuesday and was the one who spotted the Rolls Royce in town and saw all the military coming into town and I could instantly tell something was going on so I left instead of staying. With all this in mind I will still go down to Rocky Point.
It appears the Mexican government agrees with you, this from Pulso de San Luis...
Mexican government statement:
"...two government Blackhawk helicopters fired on at least 10 vehicles as they tried to flee the complex with drug cartel operator Gonzalo Inzunza. The vehicles were hit by gunfire in the Wednesday battle and were left useless, causing the assailants to disperse..."
"Police found 14 sniper or assault rifles at the scene, which one federal official confirmed were of heavy calibre. Two federal officers were wounded in the gunfight" Also seized were 16 vehicles, including an armored SUV.
"...federal police said Inzunza, 42, "has set up his centre of operations in Puerto Penasco," to run drug-trafficking networks that stretched through at least seven other states, from the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo in Mexico's southeast to Baja California in the country's northwest..."
From Raul Benitez, a security expert at Mexico's National Autonomous University:
"It appears that this guy (Inzunza) was opening a very important border (trafficking) corridor," said Benitez. Puerto Penasco is an area with a lot of movement, a lot of traffic, and it's perfect for setting up a corridor to sell cocaine, heroin or marijuana and ship it into the United States, Benitez said, noting the government is shutting off the other big corridors in Texas and California.
The Sonora corridor was the one left for the Sinaloa cartel, and the federal government is trying to prevent Sinaloa from setting down roots there," Benitez said."
Okay, now it's ten vehicles shot at and disabled - where are all the bad guys that were driving these? Now I know why they were still patrolling the grounds of nearby complexes at 11:00 am.
The statement from the federal police also adds credence to the posters stating a large cartel presence in PP.
BTW, we are still having nightmares - if it goes on we may need counseling.
We are finally getting closer to the truth with the number of cars involved now listed at 1o and the disclosure that at least 2 federal police or soldiers were wounded. Talk around town is that the real body count was over 20.
If your posts in this thread have been deleted, I don't want to hear about it. And I may not have gotten them all yet. They were NOT on topic and nothing but a bitch session between members. Get over yourselves, please.
If your posts in this thread have been deleted, I don't want to hear about it. And I may not have gotten them all yet. They were NOT on topic and nothing but a bitch session between members. Get over yourselves, please.
The American community needs to start a forum topic where they can report any suspicious activity they observe, something like "Rocky Point Neighborhood Watch"
this is what it was like w/o the rockets.....exactly. Imagine it 100 times louder than this, ..the strong smell of burnt gunpowder in the air As the helicopters were flying much lower than these in this video. Add another Blackhawk, and lots of automatic ground fire. You just really can't imagine...
Mini cannon rate of fire 4-6 THOUSAND rounds per min.
We are finally getting closer to the truth with the number of cars involved now listed at 1o and the disclosure that at least 2 federal police or soldiers were wounded. Talk around town is that the real body count was over 20.
The American community needs to start a forum topic where they can report any suspicious activity they observe, something like "Rocky Point Neighborhood Watch"
While I understand your intent, that's a TOTALLY bad idea! First, where you draw the line on what's reported? I saw a hooker! Somebody offered me to buy mota! That guy just LOOKS like he's cartel! Second, it's not our country or jurisdiction. We live/visit there as guests of Mexico (not including those that have actually become Mexican citizens). We have no right to play police/snitch like we do with our own watch programs here in the U.S. Third, and finally, go back and read some of my posts - there's a very fine line between who's a good guy and who's a bad guy and sometimes they are one and the same. Reporting something you think is illegal or suspicious to the authorities may not bring you the result you think it will.
Rocky Point is a strategic part of the cartels operation. It is the farthest north that the ocean goes into Mexico and is around 70 miles from hundreds of miles of unprotected boarder.
I guess that's what attracted Al Capone to Rocky Point. I don't think he came here for the fishing.
While I understand your intent, that's a TOTALLY bad idea! First, where you draw the line on what's reported? I saw a hooker! Somebody offered me to buy mota! That guy just LOOKS like he's cartel! Second, it's not our country or jurisdiction. We live/visit there as guests of Mexico (not including those that have actually become Mexican citizens). We have no right to play police/snitch like we do with our own watch programs here in the U.S. Third, and finally, go back and read some of my posts - there's a very fine line between who's a good guy and who's a bad guy and sometimes they are one and the same. Reporting something you think is illegal or suspicious to the authorities may not bring you the result you think it will.
Darn, I didn't think it was a "TOTALLY bad idea" and I don't think of neighborhood watch participants as "snitches". Who knew?
The probability of predicting the future occurrence of a certain event is usually calculated from the historical occurrence of that event. Since there is no history of Americans being killed by cartel violence in Penasco, it is impossible to predict the future probability of occurrence of such an event. Any volunteers to establish an initial data point?[/quote]
I have a theory. How sanguine you feel about this incident, is in direct proportion to how close you were to the location where it happened.
It's like I hear about a shooting in a movie theater in Colorado, and think, that's tragic, but it does not affect me. If I was in the theater at the time, I would feel completely different because it's happening to me!
It's easy to brush this off from a distance as a crazy outlier which it may or may not be. Drug violence is sporadic moving from one location to another. Lets hope it's not Rocky Point's turn to feel the heat from the Cartels.
Some people here are suggesting Rocky Point is a centre for Cartel opperations. if that's true, the probability of more drug violence escalates.
I am not trying to be alarmist. in these situations rumors fly around fast. The fact is we are not privy what the hell is going on behind the scenes.
Lastly if they knew where the cartel guys were, they could have waited to get them when they left the resort instead of going in guns blazing. The whole operation planes, boats, helicopter gunships, troops etc seems like total overkill to me.
Darn, I didn't think it was a "TOTALLY bad idea" and I don't think of neighborhood watch participants as "snitches". Who knew?
Do you live in an area that has an HOA? You're often pitting neighbor against neighbor, with one snitching on the other - "There's weeds in his yard. He didn't get the color of the paint on his house approved." Blah, blah, blah.
Now take that to Neighborhood Watch. As said, I understand your intent, but it's a totally a bad idea -- for Rocky Point. Think about it if you were a local. Would you want some group of Americans reporting to the police things they felt were "suspicious?" I certainly wouldn't. None of their damned business.
The only place this would make any sense is in a 100% American community, but then again, that's what security gates, cameras, and guards are for -- to prevent crime. Neighborhood Watch is not going to affect the kind of crime they were after this week one iota.
The only place this would make any sense is in a 100% American community, but then again, that's what security gates, cameras, and guards are for -- to prevent crime. Neighborhood Watch is not going to affect the kind of crime they were after this week one iota.
Sandy Beach is essentially a Gringo enclave. It is financed and owned mostly by Americans, and other gringos who have invested substantial amounts their hard earned money here.
Up until now, at least for me it felt like Sandy beach was "a world apart" that idea has now been shattered. Dead Bodies on the road, guys in apartments with machine guns and grenade launchers, helicopter gunships peppering the area. cars on fire. It does look like a scene out of a war zone.
This was either a major tactical error, or they are sending the message that they don't give a shit about the contribution of the Gringo community to Puerto Penasco.
Sandy Beach is essentially a Gringo enclave. It is financed and owned mostly by Americans, and other gringos who have invested substantial amounts their hard earned money here.
Up until now, at least for me it felt like Sandy beach was "a world apart" that idea has now been shattered. Dead Bodies on the road, guys in apartments with machine guns and grenade launchers, helicopter gunships peppering the area. cars on fire. It does look like a scene out of a war zone.
This was either a major tactical error, or they are sending the message that they don't give a shit about the contribution of the Gringo community to Puerto Penasco.
Clumsily perhaps, but they might finally be sending a very strong signal to the cartels that it won't be business as usual for them if they chose to stay in Penasco.
Clumsily perhaps, but they might finally be sending a very strong signal to the cartels that it won't be business as usual for them if they chose to stay in Penasco.
Que Pasa amigo, se acabo el show. You know when they start giving false info they (Tv Stations) bail on us, You should of not run off Sr. reporter with his camera man. We really needed him taking pics and getting the right info. Yeah he's a hard ass but sometimes you need these people to get down to the bottom of this. Look where were at at this time. You sleeping for a whole day on the job.
If your posts in this thread have been deleted, I don't want to hear about it. And I may not have gotten them all yet. They were NOT on topic and nothing but a bitch session between members. Get over yourselves, please.
Ha, and you complain abut Government survelence and interference !!!:p:p:p:p:):)
Rocky Point is a strategic part of the cartels operation. It is the farthest north that the ocean goes into Mexico and is around 70 miles from hundreds of miles of unprotected boarder.
I guess that's what attracted Al Capone to Rocky Point. I don't think he came here for the fishing.
He came here to party during prohibition, that didn't work either!
Ha, and you complain abut Government survelence and interference !!!:p:p:p:p:):)
Thanks, Roberto... now the damned black helicopters are circling my backyard. Where the hell did I stash those Stinger missiles? :D
Seriously though, it's not fair to the users that come here wanting information to have to read what boils down to a pissing contest between members. Just be glad I couldn't find the key to the safe where I keep the Ban Hammer locked up at the moment!! ;)
Debate opinions? Fine. Calling each other names -- NOT fine!
Sandy Beach is essentially a Gringo enclave. It is financed and owned mostly by Americans, and other gringos who have invested substantial amounts their hard earned money here.
Hmmmm. Don't fool yourself for a minute about where a lot of the money to develop things in Mexico comes from. Just sayin'.
You actually mean cannot call Jerry a Commie, Pinko, Ratfink ever again :(:(:(
This disaster has flushed out several highly opinionated but ill informed newbys hasn't it?
Hope I did not miss any good action yesterday as I was home in bed most of the day:D:D:D
I have said this before and I will say it again, don't think that the powers that be do not know whats going on in Penasco or on this forum. Opinions about a safer place to go and how to keep an eye out are one thing but talking about a snitch campaign, NOT.
There are several members on this board who are offering up more than the occasional visitor can comprehend but those of us long term visitors and residents , along with those married to residents know that the cartels have been running Penasco and literally all of Mexico and do not want to scare us away. Someone mentioned that the line between the good guy and the bad guy is very thin, so true. Sometimes they are the same person was mentioned, take all of this seriously and have a great time in Mexico.
This is not far fetched, just remember how Vegas started.
It is hilarious, page after page of the same ignorant comments. There is only ONE cartel in RP. No need to keep saying this sends a message to the cartels plural, it's cartel as in ONE cartel and there is no message to be received by anyone.
I have said this before and I will say it again, don't think that the powers that be do not know whats going on in Penasco or on this forum. Opinions about a safer place to go and how to keep an eye out are one thing but talking about a snitch campaign, NOT.
There are several members on this board who are offering up more than the occasional visitor can comprehend but those of us long term visitors and residents , along with those married to residents know that the cartels have been running Penasco and literally all of Mexico and do not want to scare us away. Someone mentioned that the line between the good guy and the bad guy is very thin, so true. Sometimes they are the same person was mentioned, take all of this seriously and have a great time in Mexico.
This is not far fetched, just remember how Vegas started.
You actually mean cannot call Jerry a Commie, Pinko, Ratfink ever again :(:(:(
This disaster has flushed out several highly opinionated but ill informed newbys hasn't it?
Hope I did not miss any good action yesterday as I was home in bed most of the day:D:D:D
That along with some of our old friends who are also "highly opinionated but ill informed".
The probability of predicting the future occurrence of a certain event is usually calculated from the historical occurrence of that event. Since there is no history of Americans being killed by cartel violence in Penasco, it is impossible to predict the future probability of occurrence of such an event. Any volunteers to establish an initial data point?
I have a theory. How sanguine you feel about this incident, is in direct proportion to how close you were to the location where it happened.
It's like I hear about a shooting in a movie theater in Colorado, and think, that's tragic, but it does not affect me. If I was in the theater at the time, I would feel completely different because it's happening to me!
It's easy to brush this off from a distance as a crazy outlier which it may or may not be. Drug violence is sporadic moving from one location to another. Lets hope it's not Rocky Point's turn to feel the heat from the Cartels.
Some people here are suggesting Rocky Point is a centre for Cartel opperations. if that's true, the probability of more drug violence escalates.
I am not trying to be alarmist. in these situations rumors fly around fast. The fact is we are not privy what the hell is going on behind the scenes.
Lastly if they knew where the cartel guys were, they could have waited to get them when they left the resort instead of going in guns blazing. The whole operation planes, boats, helicopter gunships, troops etc seems like total overkill to me.
end of rant.[/quote]
Nobody is suggesting, we're telling you. It's not an opinion or suggestion. And please stop saying cartels plural, there's only one. You have a serious misconception of who the cartel is. They are more of a community organizer than a ruthless blood thirsty cocaine selling gang that you would like them to be. If you have been traveling to Mexico for a long period of time chances are that you have shared a beer with someone that's affiliated or talked with someone that's affiliated and had absolutely no idea. When a small business owner in RP needs a little extra cash for rent or supplies or just needs a loan to start a new business they don't go to the bank. When something gets stolen, they dont call the police. When they cant afford rent, they dont call the landlord. Get the drift?
He's down under in Tasmania with a friend of ours and there appears (because of spam etc) to be a block for that part of the world and Europe as well. He'll be back for Christmas.
Yes Joe. There is only one cartel in Penasco. There are other cartels. The Zetas who were paid to leave this Plaza are another but since they technically don't exist in Penasco anymore, you are correct as to the singular but others are not incorrect using plural.
Yes Joe. There is only one cartel in Penasco. There are other cartels. The Zetas who were paid to leave this Plaza are another but since they technically don't exist in Penasco anymore, you are correct as to the singular but others are not incorrect using plural.
And like all families, they don't always get along.
Yes Joe. There is only one cartel in Penasco. There are other cartels. The Zetas who were paid to leave this Plaza are another but since they technically don't exist in Penasco anymore, you are correct as to the singular but others are not incorrect using plural.
Yes, I know there are others elsewhere in Mexico but in reference to RP and the surrounding area/state of Sonora. I know about the others in Southern Mexico but I thought they essentially reported to Sinaloa. Kights Temblar, La Familia, other little factions in Michoacan and Guerrero. I used to read Blog Del Narco a lot. All anyone needs to look at is the drug seizures out of San Luis R.C. Where do you think those originated or traveled through??????!!!
To the OTHERS; It's ok if you're not semi up to date with any of this but dont blab all over this forum about how you feel it was good that the GOOD GUYS killed the BAD GUYS and that it sends a message to DONT COME BACK LOLOLOLOL Like they ever left!!!!! LOL
Actually Jerry is deep under cover in the Caborca Cartel cell working on the fictionalized account of their activities. The Tazmania story is just that, a cover story. He's had extensive plastic surgery and is unrecognisable at this point. He was on the beach during the recent shootout, you can see him in an inflatable in the photo of the Navy boat. What appears to be three seabirds are actually decoys attached to the dive helmets of his photographers who were working their way to shore. He may be willing to fill in some details but I know he does not want to impact the sales of his book. If you look carefully at the rear window of the Rolls you will see his profile in the back seat too, but you will not recognize him.
Actually Jerry is deep under cover in the Caborca Cartel cell working on the fictionalized account of their activities. The Tazmania story is just that, a cover story. He's had extensive plastic surgery and is unrecognisable at this point. He was on the beach during the recent shootout, you can see him in an inflatable in the photo of the Navy boat. What appears to be three seabirds are actually decoys attached to the dive helmets of his photographers who were working their way to shore. He may be willing to fill in some details but I know he does not want to impact the sales of his book. If you look carefully at the rear window of the Rolls you will see his profile in the back seat too, but you will not recognize him.
You my friend have broken the code and the price for that mistake will be dear.
Well I had no choice. My monthly stipend to keep my mouth shut has not arrived and Navidad rapidly approaches. Yes, I sold out to you know who, so keep your doors locked and cat inside my friend. We are going to the mattresses over this!
Also, shots fired in residential areas? See Boston Bombers. As I recall that incident complete shut down the city of Boston and surrounding area for more than a few hours:
Yeah, they also shot a wolf once from a helicopter too. LOL!!
Comparing a man with a rifle shooting out of a helicopter is just a little different from a Blackhawk unloading on a populated tourist zone, don't ya think?
Nobody is suggesting, we're telling you. It's not an opinion or suggestion. And please stop saying cartels plural, there's only one. You have a serious misconception of who the cartel is. They are more of a community organizer than a ruthless blood thirsty cocaine selling gang that you would like them to be. If you have been traveling to Mexico for a long period of time chances are that you have shared a beer with someone that's affiliated or talked with someone that's affiliated and had absolutely no idea. When a small business owner in RP needs a little extra cash for rent or supplies or just needs a loan to start a new business they don't go to the bank. When something gets stolen, they dont call the police. When they cant afford rent, they dont call the landlord. Get the drift?[/quote]
Yeah, they also shot a wolf once from a helicopter too. LOL!!
Comparing a man with a rifle shooting out of a helicopter is just a little different from a Blackhawk unloading on a populated tourist zone, don't ya think?
Actually Rick, in the second link it states they fired upon as they were approaching a school zone. I am going to say this is a valid comparison. A tourist zone at 5:30 am, compared to a US School Zone. Equal gravity in both of these situations. Also, I believe in the incident in Bella Sirena the suspects were heavily armed and firing upon the helicopter. The suspects were placing the general population in danger from my perspective, as were the suspects in the incident cited in Texas placing children in the school zone in danger.
Personally I don't give a hoot who is running this town, or if a cartel guy was living at the Bella Serena. I'm actually cool with that. This incident was initiated by the military in a very highhanded way, not by the cartel guy, or one cartel against another in a turf war. the whole "war on drugs" thing is a farce in my opinion.
I just don't want to be caught in the crossfire.
I don't pretend to know how things work in Mexico, maybe this guy is a "community leader" for all I know.
Personally I don't give a hoot who is running this town, or if a cartel guy was living at the Bella Serena. I'm actually cool with that. This incident was initiated by the military in a very highhanded way, not by the cartel guy, or one cartel against another in a turf war. the whole "war on drugs" thing is a farce in my opinion.
I just don't want to be caught in the crossfire.
I don't pretend to know how things work in Mexico, maybe this guy is a "community leader" for all I know.
You got that right...exactly right.
That 'crossfire' was about a 3 mile area this time. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that it could be so big of an area. I always thought of it as an area between 2 people, or 2 cars. Guess not... :(
Well I had no choice. My monthly stipend to keep my mouth shut has not arrived and Navidad rapidly approaches. Yes, I sold out to you know who, so keep your doors locked and cat inside my friend. We are going to the mattresses over this!
Don Corleone: We have known each other many years, but this is the first time you've come to me for counsel or for help. I can't remember the last time you invited me to your house for a cup of coffee, even though my wife is godmother to your only child. But let's be frank here. You never wanted my friendship. And you feared to be in my debt.
Bonasera: I didn't want to get into trouble.
Don Corleone: I understand. You found paradise in America. You had a good trade, you made a good living. The police protected you and there were courts of law. So you didn't need a friend like me. Now you come and say "Don Corleone, give me justice." But you don't ask with respect. You don't offer friendship. You don't even think to call me "Godfather." You come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married and you ask me to do murder - for money.
That 'crossfire' was about a 3 mile area this time. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that it could be so big of an area. I always thought of it as an area between 2 people, or 2 cars. Guess not... :(
Michael Corleone: [yells] IN MY HOME! IN MY BEDROOM! Where my wife sleeps... and my children play with their toys.
Well I had no choice. My monthly stipend to keep my mouth shut has not arrived and Navidad rapidly approaches. Yes, I sold out to you know who, so keep your doors locked and cat inside my friend. We are going to the mattresses over this!
I wouldn't think of it, after all, Stuart said this just today
"If your posts in this thread have been deleted, I don't want to hear about it. And I may not have gotten them all yet. They were NOT on topic and nothing but a bitch session between members. Get over yourselves, please.
so maybe it's you that needs defending and again, I wouldn't think of it.
Newb here...Glad to find this online community. Thanks for all the info everyone!!
I was in the fish market Wed morning at 10am having breakfast at the Point over the ocean patio...enjoying the birds..noticed several helicopters flying around the west side of Sandy Beach along with a medium sized fixed wing military plane. Being naive tourist/americans we figured there was just an exercise with the military/police taking place. Didn't think anything of it. Looking back, I should have taken it more seriously I guess. The market was a ghost town...we were the only gringo's around. Seemed kinda strange, but chalked it up to it being Wed before Xmas. Anyways, we planned to head back to Phoenix after breakfast and were greeted by a heavily armed checkpoint on the way out of town. (Below) We were questioned by a soldier who had a thick accent, so I couldn't make out his spanish, but I said 'Phoenix?' and he said aggressively.."GOOO" and pointed down the road. The helicopter followed the road back to Sonoyta while we were driving, like we were following it. Once in Sonoyta, roughly 11:30-12, the chopper did a few circles slightly NW of 'the turn' past the gas stations and we continued to the boarder.
At the boarder we were greeted by about 50-75 military soldiers all with what looked like HK-308's and plenty of ammo. There were too many of them so I was afraid to take a photo. We waited ~5 mins until they cleared the road to let us through. Got the usual interrogation from the US boarder guy and went on our way. Was thankful to be back in the US as I figured something was going down, but didn't know what until I got home...
I've been educating myself on the cartel action ever since and find it intriguing as to how they run there business. I didn't feel like we were in danger at any time, yet knowing how close we were (although not as close as others here) it makes you think twice about the environment. The fact that PP seems to be heavily involved with the cartels (as pointed out here as well as other sources online) is discomforting. I've read the whole town/police/everyone could be on the payroll. Makes you wonder if/when they would be desperate enough to turn on an innocent tourist. Are all the vendors at the fish market involved? Someone has to buy all that crap and it's all the same stuff in each store.. Can they make a call if you blow them off/not buy from them; to have you f'd up on the way out of town? Just some preliminary and probably unfounded concerns.. Anyways, it was an enlightening experience outside of the country. Thought I would share my experience/thoughts....Movie quality...that shit is real sometimes. ;-) Enjoy, but stay safe!
Makes you wonder if/when they would be desperate enough to turn on an innocent tourist. Are all the vendors at the fish market involved? Someone has to buy all that crap and it's all the same stuff in each store.. Can they make a call if you blow them off/not buy from them; to have you f'd up on the way out of town?
Sandy Beach is essentially a Gringo enclave. It is financed and owned mostly by Americans, and other gringos who have invested substantial amounts their hard earned money here.
Up until now, at least for me it felt like Sandy beach was "a world apart" that idea has now been shattered. Dead Bodies on the road, guys in apartments with machine guns and grenade launchers, helicopter gunships peppering the area. cars on fire. It does look like a scene out of a war zone.
This was either a major tactical error, or they are sending the message that they don't give a shit about the contribution of the Gringo community to Puerto Penasco.
Do you think it could have possibly been the other way around? Could Mexican authorities, both federal and local, have carried out this operation the way they did because they wanted to send a message to Americans in Puerto Penasco: That we will not tolerate cartel members moving into your neighborhoods, nor will we allow activity by the cartel in your areas and we will do everything to keep you safe from them.
Or might have authorities sent a message the other way, in the interest of protecting Puerto Penasco's tourism money by telling the cartel do not operate in this town and sure as hell don't be operating out of where the Americans reside. That's the city's major source of revenue and we're going to keep it that way.
Just reading this over again. Not doubting you Rick, just a question. So this Rolls was in the parking lot at the Sonoran Sea and whoever was driving was talking to the two men like nothing was happening at all during all this shooting? The two guys outside the car don't seem to be concerned at the sounds of gunfire - by their body language. Just curious from your viewpoint, what you think?
I stayed at the Sonoran Sea and can confirm I saw the silver Rolls Royce in the parking lot 11/1 through 11/5 - it was practically the only other car in the lot and was parked backwards in the east side handicap spot the entire time.
I ran into the owner getting in the elevator. I had a full cart of luggage and he was with what seemed to be his wife. He was incredibly courteous and offered to fit me in with the two of them. I declined, and he left in the Rolls. Don't think he could be connected in any way - Rolls had Phoenix plates. He seemed non-threatening and polite.
