Wierd scene coming into Rocky Point today.

tequilatodd said:

so you are saying the Cartel runs the Military?

tequilatodd said:

so you are saying the Cartel runs the Military?

Mexico Joe said:

Directly or indirectly, yes.

Mexico Joe said:

No, you're wrong on both accounts. You're missing the point. Not only did he live there for more than a year, everybody knew and nobody cared. The military didn't do this because it was good for the town or American tourists. The only reason why we're talking about this is because MP got fired. If he wouldn't have been f****** up for the corporation he worked for, he'd still be living there and we wouldn't be having this conversation. The #1 said, "you're fired!" and then called the military to deliver MP's unemployment benefits.

Arizona2010 said:

Joe, I understand what you are saying and don't disagree, but this is not the story that is being portrayed in the media. Given what Americans are being told and believe about what happened in Rocky Point, that has to be taken into consideration. What if the media had been reporting that Macho was living in Rocky Point where the Americans live for sometime now- that certainly wouldn't have helped the economy in Puerto Penasco or Sonora at all.

Dezracer said:

We arrived in Rocky Point this afternoon. When we stopped to gas up in Why, I started to bs with the owner. She told me there was a huge group of DEA agents that met in front of her gas station before and after the shoot out. She made it sound like the DEA was involved from the start.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

She told me there was a huge group of DEA agents that met in front of her gas station before and after the shoot out.

Kenny said:

I'm thinking it was our guy's who pushed to get "El Maco Prieto"while he was staying in PP and he and his boy's would still have the run of the place if they hadn't.

jerry said:

It is possible the were looking for an even bigger fish they had just let out of jail. On another note when the American was raped in Las Conchas last year a rumor I heard was it was Prieto.....interesting...

Estero said:

http://www.sandiegored.com/noticias/46742/Joaquin-El-Chapo-Guzman-might-have-suffered-a-heart-attack/

Mexico Joe said:

That's what one of the defrente articles that I read insinuated.

dry heat said:

sure... with a hint of 'maybe if it happens I can come back and quote myself'.

jerry said:

The boosters sticking up for this insane military assault on a hotel is a slap in the face to the many people they profited of on the sale of condos in Puerto Penasco and is really wrong headed.You guys and girls should be protesting the assault.

Panamahat said:

I heard that they have closed Bella Sirena for a while, and all the staff have been let go. Can anyone confirm this? If it's true that's not a nice Christmas present for them.

mis2810 said:

Can I just say I can't believe how many times I've agreed with Joe since December 18th? LOL

playaperro said:

So the 2 guys tossed out of the burnt truck were 2 local taxi drivers. http://www.debate.com.mx/eldebate/noticias/default.asp?IdArt=13872990&IdCat=17023

Mexico Joe said:

Jerry and Kenny took notice and invited me on the Corvina Hunt to relax a little. It went well, I think I need more Santo Tomas fishing but that's for another thread.

playaperro said:

So the 2 guys tossed out of the burnt truck were 2 local taxi drivers. http://www.debate.com.mx/eldebate/noticias/default.asp?IdArt=13872990&IdCat=17023

Rick S said:

HeadInSand....

hit the nail on the head..LOL



Can't copy and paste this to translate it....???

Arizona2010 said:

I believe comparing the violence in Mexico/Rocky Point to that of the violence in the USA/Arizona can be very difficult and can be like comparing apples to oranges with correlation problems. There might be more crime in Mexico, but could a lot of that be more petty crimes like vehicle theft and property crimes? I think to properly assess the security situation in Puerto Penasco, we have to take a wait and see approach on what (if any) response we may see from Macho's death and any blowback from it by the cartel. Macho's death does not mean things are out of control in Puerto Penasco or the Cartel will retaliate so we should not jump to conclusions about something that isn't there. I've lived overseas for a good chunk of my life, been to 24 countries all over the world- I can tell anyone that if they do not assess their safety and security situation when they travel to a foreign country, they are doing themselves a big dis-service. I have always done so because as an American traveling overseas, you are more vulnerable especially if you don't speak their language. When I was in the Palestinian Controlled Territories, I pretended I was a Canadian versus an American because I did not want to fall into the hands of the PLO or Hamas or some other terrorist organization, and when asked I was from Canada. Being aware of one's surroundings is key to survival and keeping yourself safe at all times. Prior to all this when I traveled down to Rocky Point, I always took security precautions and had different safety plans should something happen. But I do the same thing too back here in the USA when I go to places as one should never let their guard down.

jerry said:

It is possible the were looking for an even bigger fish they had just let out of jail. On another note when the American was raped in Las Conchas last year a rumor I heard was it was Prieto.....interesting...

Wahoo said:

Good story making in clear RP is kept in still kept in the dark and most stories remain hearsay.

The published stories repeated by the Mayor was it was a SUCCESFULL surgical operation where No local citizens or tourists where harmed.

The initial stories coming where ones not Redacted for spin control.

"Not as normal, Mayor Figueroa was out of town, no local police present, banks and schools closed by Order. No rescue or local police notified, or later explained that it was not allowed due to risk. Bodies left on the open until 9:05, not even the Red Cross came to help.

http://www.numerounoonline.com/main/puerto-penasco/abaten-fuerzas-policiales-comando-de-sicarios#.Ur8Cjcu9KSM

Mexico Joe said:

Im going to apologize off the top for not having the patience and understanding that it takes to be a part of this fine forum. You have a seriously limited understanding of the culture if you think that MP living in RP effects the economy of the whole state of Sonora. I dont know what MP living in RP has to do with grape exports from Caborca. MP living in BS has 0 effect on the states economy. Who do you think governs the state of Sonora???? The government??? Lol

You asked if you were correct and I guess that depends on your definition of "that long". I think more than a year is more than "that long''.

Do you think we havent won the drug war because we can't? We went to the moon, we invade countries, we can't win the drug war?? Or is it that we don't want to? The industrial Prison Complex is big business in the US. If we were winning the drug war there would be less drugs right? Less drugs = less arrests = less prison time = less "clients". The private prison industry would topple. Not to mention all the fine folks at the DEA would lose their jobs because there would be no need for the DEA. What would the border patrol do?? They spend 98% of their time on drug seizures. They'd be out of jobs too. Not to mention the people that use drugs that publicly oppose it. For example the Republican Congressman that wanted welfare recipients to take drug tests to receive welfare when in reality this guy gets caught buying cocaine. Nobody wants drugs to go away. We love drugs and why shouldn't we, they're awesome!

The drug war is for all the goody goodies in the world. It's there to create the public perception that drugs are bad and that we "the good people" are doing something to stop the drug trade. I love watching the news after a drug bust and the cop or BP or whoever making the bust comments that, "there are now less drugs on the streets" and everyone is patting each other on the back. In reality, no seizure will disrupt the market and those making those statements are in a fairy tale dream world.

A 40 year war on drugs and you know what it has done to the market? Absolutely nothing, in fact product price has gone down over the years not up. Simple supply and demand understanding will tell us that the war on drugs hasn't made ANY impact on the market.

Sub said:

Where is the whole story on that rape Jerry? It never made the news here. I used to stay in Las Conchas fairly often.

playaperro said:

This is pure hearsay, this should be redacted, deleted until there is solid evidence.

playaperro said:

Jerry's post not your's Senior Negativo!

Wahoo said:

In that report; It was reported by witnesses cocaine packages taken out of the water truck by "federales".

Sub said:

How is my asking about it hearsay, and since when did this become a courtroom?

dmcauley said:

Stuart and ladyjeeper must be on vacation because this crap needs to end and no one is ending it.

Arizona2010 said:

You completely missed my point Joe. I was not debating the War on Drugs, structure of the Cartel, or the DEA's involvement in Mexico. I was talking about public perception of what is going on in Rocky Point. Regardless of whether or not you or I believe the violence in Rocky Point is "serious" or not, the fact of the matter remains that this is how many Americans have viewed the situation there and are viewing it now given what happened this month there. It would be foolish from an economic point of view to simply ignore this while Puerto Penasco tries to recover after years of taking a hit to their economy because of falling revenue from tourism. Why is that? You had the economic downturn in 2008 coupled with violence all throughout the country of Mexico which strongly contributed to Americans thinking negatively about traveling to/from Mexico, hence the lessening impact of American dollars in Rocky Point.

From reading your posts, it sounds like what happened in Puerto Penasco isn't going to stop either of us from having in good time down there. But just because we aren't going to be impacted and deterred from what happened there, does not mean that other Americans will not be. It's about keeping them coming down as well and keeping Rocky Point in a positive spotlight. You cannot ignore what is being said out there because in doing so, it will certainly not abode well for a good public relations campaign.

Mexico Joe said:

Yes, I must have because I'm confused at what you're trying to say. I'm still traveling to RP after this incident, however IMHO you can't really defend RP anymore when this happened INSIDE one of the nicest condos on SB. I know my odds of getting caught in between that are very very very slim and I will still go. However, we used to say, well at least it's not happening inside the tourist area. Not only did this happen in the tourist zone, it happened inside the resort, 75 feet from one of the pools. I can't defend military action inside a popular condo complex. Will I still go, yes. Did they fuck up? Yes! As far as public perception/opinion goes, yes I'm sure this will effect tourism. To what extent? Only time will tell.

I did however disagree with your statement that this event will effect the economy of the whole state of SONORA. I can't understand how you came to that conclusion and that's why I said, what does this have to do with grape and olive exportation and or any other revenue that the state takes in. Yes, local economy maybe, time will tell. State economy, no

Stuart said:

Margaret has earn some well-deserved time in Banned Camp. Bring a blanket, it's chilly and it's difficult to get those cowpies to burn and give off enough heat at this time of year.

jerry said:

Margret..we hardly knew you...

jerry said:

plus Joe as you well know recruiters for the Cartels are always looking you gringos to cross the product.....bars,poolside you name it

Wahoo said:

Good story making in clear RP is kept in still kept in the dark and most stories remain hearsay.

The published stories repeated by the Mayor was it was a SUCCESFULL surgical operation where No local citizens or tourists where harmed.

The initial stories coming where ones not Redacted for spin control.

"Not as normal, Mayor Figueroa was out of town, no local police present, banks and schools closed by Order. No rescue or local police notified, or later explained that it was not allowed due to risk. Bodies left on the open until 9:05, not even the Red Cross came to help.

http://www.numerounoonline.com/main/puerto-penasco/abaten-fuerzas-policiales-comando-de-sicarios#.Ur8Cjcu9KSM

Mexico Joe said:

Yes, I must have because I'm confused at what you're trying to say. I'm still traveling to RP after this incident, however IMHO you can't really defend RP anymore when this happened INSIDE one of the nicest condos on SB. I know my odds of getting caught in between that are very very very slim and I will still go. However, we used to say, well at least it's not happening inside the tourist area. Not only did this happen in the tourist zone, it happened inside the resort, 75 feet from one of the pools. I can't defend military action inside a popular condo complex. Will I still go, yes. Did they fuck up? Yes! As far as public perception/opinion goes, yes I'm sure this will effect tourism. To what extent? Only time will tell.

I did however disagree with your statement that this event will effect the economy of the whole state of SONORA. I can't understand how you came to that conclusion and that's why I said, what does this have to do with grape and olive exportation and or any other revenue that the state takes in. Yes, local economy maybe, time will tell. State economy, no

jerry said:

Easy dog...I was referring to the Greek Americans whose house was busted in in 2010 just before the shoot out at the school....and it was a question . a Mexican newspaper story also said Macho Prieto's bad behavior included rape 80 murders,rape,drug smuggling...next thing you know he would have been jaywalking...

Arizona2010 said:

That's my mistake linking my comment to include the entire state of Sonora, so my apologies. I think about how nice it is when I visit to have almost the entire beach to myself, but at the same time I think to myself how I live visiting my favorite restaurants and places to shop and understand how we need more tourists to keep these business' open. I like it so much there that I'm trying to relocate down to Puerto Penasco as I run a business online and can do so from anywhere. Another huge plus to living there is being able to be back in the USA in just an hour if you want to come back to Arizona for a while, unlike living overseas for a while. I miss it already, can't wait to get back down there!

Sub said:

Shootout at the school? I didn't hear about this one either.

Stuart said:

You can search it up here. Got beat into the ground just like this thread. Basically a rolling gun battle across town. Some bad guys got killed. Unfortunately an innocent local also got killed, a painter returning home from work who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Which, like the fisherman in this incident, got little mention other than "collateral damage." In fact, the authorities tried to cover up that he was an innocent and continued to link him to the cartel, until his family's voice was finally heard. :(

That's the part that concerns me.
I don't want "Collateral Damage" listed as the cause on my Death Certificate. "Eaten by shark," fine. "Overdosed on bacon-wrapped shrimp," fine. Even "Death by Hookers and Blow" would be (perhaps) acceptable -- at least you know I died with a smile on my face! But "Collateral Damage?" Nope, nuh-uhh, no way.

jerry said:

They use Mexico's problems as an excuse not to visit but other stuff is at work..

jerry said:

Still Sub I think you have a bit of that gun nut thing going on where you just are not comfortable without a handgun.Many of my friends on the right are the same.They use Mexico's problems as an excuse not to visit but other stuff is at work....you guys need a support group

Sub said:

Oh and I switched in 2012 & voted for Obama so consider me a conservative "blue dog" Democrat.

Kenny said:

More than a few of us wondered how a "union man" like yourself, that along with some of your other beliefs, could not be progressive thinking politically too.

jerry said:

Did anyone ever capitalize on my idea to have gun storage at Lukeville for travelers?

jerry said:

Did anyone ever capitalize on my idea to have gun storage at Lukeville for travelers?

Canuck said:

Mass shooting or shooting outside a grocery store, while traumatic events to those nearby, isn't even close to the same situation as being stuck in the middle of a war zone.

Stuart said:

Sorry, Todd. Not always the case:

• Spring Break, several years ago. College student doing back flips off the bar at Pithaya. Broke his neck and died (yes, alcohol related).
  
• An old couple many years ago. We were staying at the Best Western and had just talked with them, really nice folks (not drunk). Got into their Suburban and headed up the street to La Curva for dinner. Crossing the main street right by Reggies, a local (he was drunk) in a pickup ran the stop sign and broadsided them at about 50 mph. The Suburban rolled five times, killing both of them instantly. The sound of that accident, crunching metal, and screeching still lingers in my mind, as well as the sight of them dead.
  
• 5 years ago (maybe?) American guy swimming just off the beach on the Mirador (not drunk). Run over by a panga pulling a banana boat. The prop sliced open his head and neck. He bled out on the beach and died, there was nothing anybody could do to save him.
  
• Few years back, odd morning thunderstorm rolled through as we were preparing to launch from the harbor. Local struck by lightning and killed (not drunk).
  
• Also a few years ago, early spring. Mexican fishing boat with 8 gringos catches fire (not drunk). We see the smoke from the distance and take off towards them. All of them in the water. Saved them all, including the 400 lb.+ guy that we had a hell of a time getting on the boat. A few minor burns, some broken ribs on some of the guys. Could have been a lot worse.
  
• 3 years ago, forum member heading down south of Ajo (not drunk). Pick up truck in opposite lane has sleepy driver, comes into their lane and head-ons them. The wife later dies after months of being in a coma.
  
• Similar story involving a Suburban (doctor from Tucson and his wife, if I remember correctly), small pickup heading south (young driver with other young passengers) past the shrine head-ons them coming around the corner before the bridge. I believe 5 or 6 people died in that accident from both vehicles. You can still see the shrine of laid out white sticks on the ground in that location.
  
• Last year, coming across Dead Cow Highway between Maricopa and Gila Bend. Truck in front of us (coming home from Mexico) veers off the road, tries to recover, rolls several times, ejecting the driver and his dog, catches fire and then explodes (not drunk). We were able to get the driver away from the truck before he literally became road pizza. Administered first aid until police/paramedics arrived and the Lifeflight helicopter came. He was lucky, he was in extremely bad shape, but the MCSO investigator told me the next day that he would live.
  

Stuart said:

I bought Despicable Me 2 the other day and haven't laughed so hard in ages.

ADR said:

Some might say you are bad luck to be around? :)

ADR said:

Some might say you are bad luck to be around? :)

ADR said:

Tell that to those killed in malls, outside grocery stores, kids schools, etc. How exactly is what you saw worse than that?
How about the 2 bombs that went off Yesterday and Today in Russia, where dozens of innocent lives were lost? How about that mall a few months ago in Kenya where over 70 people died?
I assume you still think you have it rougher than they do? You have no idea what it is to be in a war zone. If you don't like Mexico or are afraid, you get to leave.

ADR said:

Tell that to those killed in malls, outside grocery stores, kids schools, etc. How exactly is what you saw worse than that?
How about the 2 bombs that went off Yesterday and Today in Russia, where dozens of innocent lives were lost? How about that mall a few months ago in Kenya where over 70 people died?
I assume you still think you have it rougher than they do? You have no idea what it is to be in a war zone. If you don't like Mexico or are afraid, you get to leave.

Estero said:

An interesting read on the relationship between Traffickers and the CIA. SPOOKY. http://www.esquire.com/features/pariah-gary-webb-0998

ADR said:

Tell that to those killed in malls, outside grocery stores, kids schools, etc. How exactly is what you saw worse than that?
How about the 2 bombs that went off Yesterday and Today in Russia, where dozens of innocent lives were lost? How about that mall a few months ago in Kenya where over 70 people died?
I assume you still think you have it rougher than they do? You have no idea what it is to be in a war zone. If you don't like Mexico or are afraid, you get to leave.

HolaAmigos said:

I am friend of an owner at Bella Sirena. I got a personal tour of Bella Sirena today and thought you might like a report of what I found.

Villa 8 is still a federal crime zone and is protected by local police. You cannot enter into the villa from the front or back but you can walk by it and look inside from 20 feet away. Besides Villa 8, here is the damage to the resort:

The front gate was smashed by a Cartel SUV on Dec 18, and is under repair. There are a few bullet holes outside the front gate to the left of pedestrian gate as you walk through. The general consensus is this is the gray truck shown in the news reports was the only car to enter the resort that morning and was shot many times. The vehicle made it from the front gate to Villa 8, and eventually lost all of its oil in an oil slick from the front gate to Villa 8. I believe this as failed attempt to rescue and remove the cartel boss. There are many stories but the general consensus is that cartel boss died that day at Bella Sirena.

There are very few bullet holes, except on Villa 8 you can see in all of the photos. Here is a good public site showing the photos if you have not seen them: http://www.azcentral.com/photo/27250 . Apparently the Federales used a few 5th story condos for snipers and had a crew on the ground with machine guns along with a high caliber machine gun at the front gate (and of course the 2 blackhawk helicopters). There are about a dozen bullet holes on the ground floor of the A building centered in two areas. There are a few bullet holes on the 5th floor of the A building. There are no visible bullet holes in the B, C, D, and E buildings. All of the bullet holes except for Villa 8 have been repaired via stucco, and will be repainted soon.

There are no bullet holes in any of the 20 villas, except for Villa 8 and 5. There was no visible damage to Villa 7 or 9 which are right next to Villa 8, like 5 feet away. Villa 5 has a few bullet holes in the back of the villa.

I must confess, I was expecting to find more damage and was quite surprised. Let me know if you have any questions, I can try to answer them (if they are reasonable that is). Like others have reported, driving around town was pretty normal - except parts of Benito Juarez and Calle 13 are roped off for construction.

Mexico Joe said:

This is exactly what I've been talking about for 43 pages. Ask "FREE WAY RICK ROSS" about this. No, I'm not talking about the rapper. SMH

ADR said:

You have no idea what it is to be in a war zone. If you don't like Mexico or are afraid, you get to leave.

HolaAmigos said:

I am friend of an owner at Bella Sirena. I got a personal tour of Bella Sirena today and thought you might like a report of what I found.

Villa 8 is still a federal crime zone and is protected by local police. You cannot enter into the villa from the front or back but you can walk by it and look inside from 20 feet away. Besides Villa 8, here is the damage to the resort:

The front gate was smashed by a Cartel SUV on Dec 18, and is under repair. There are a few bullet holes outside the front gate to the left of pedestrian gate as you walk through. The general consensus is this is the gray truck shown in the news reports was the only car to enter the resort that morning and was shot many times. The vehicle made it from the front gate to Villa 8, and eventually lost all of its oil in an oil slick from the front gate to Villa 8. I believe this as failed attempt to rescue and remove the cartel boss. There are many stories but the general consensus is that cartel boss died that day at Bella Sirena.

There are very few bullet holes, except on Villa 8 you can see in all of the photos. Here is a good public site showing the photos if you have not seen them: http://www.azcentral.com/photo/27250 . Apparently the Federales used a few 5th story condos for snipers and had a crew on the ground with machine guns along with a high caliber machine gun at the front gate (and of course the 2 blackhawk helicopters). There are about a dozen bullet holes on the ground floor of the A building centered in two areas. There are a few bullet holes on the 5th floor of the A building. There are no visible bullet holes in the B, C, D, and E buildings. All of the bullet holes except for Villa 8 have been repaired via stucco, and will be repainted soon.

There are no bullet holes in any of the 20 villas, except for Villa 8 and 5. There was no visible damage to Villa 7 or 9 which are right next to Villa 8, like 5 feet away. Villa 5 has a few bullet holes in the back of the villa.

I must confess, I was expecting to find more damage and was quite surprised. Let me know if you have any questions, I can try to answer them (if they are reasonable that is). Like others have reported, driving around town was pretty normal - except parts of Benito Juarez and Calle 13 are roped off for construction.

HolaAmigos said:

I am friend of an owner at Bella Sirena. I got a personal tour of Bella Sirena today and thought you might like a report of what I found.

Villa 8 is still a federal crime zone and is protected by local police. You cannot enter into the villa from the front or back but you can walk by it and look inside from 20 feet away. Besides Villa 8, here is the damage to the resort:

The front gate was smashed by a Cartel SUV on Dec 18, and is under repair. There are a few bullet holes outside the front gate to the left of pedestrian gate as you walk through. The general consensus is this is the gray truck shown in the news reports was the only car to enter the resort that morning and was shot many times. The vehicle made it from the front gate to Villa 8, and eventually lost all of its oil in an oil slick from the front gate to Villa 8. I believe this as failed attempt to rescue and remove the cartel boss. There are many stories but the general consensus is that cartel boss died that day at Bella Sirena.

There are very few bullet holes, except on Villa 8 you can see in all of the photos. Here is a good public site showing the photos if you have not seen them: http://www.azcentral.com/photo/27250 . Apparently the Federales used a few 5th story condos for snipers and had a crew on the ground with machine guns along with a high caliber machine gun at the front gate (and of course the 2 blackhawk helicopters). There are about a dozen bullet holes on the ground floor of the A building centered in two areas. There are a few bullet holes on the 5th floor of the A building. There are no visible bullet holes in the B, C, D, and E buildings. All of the bullet holes except for Villa 8 have been repaired via stucco, and will be repainted soon.

There are no bullet holes in any of the 20 villas, except for Villa 8 and 5. There was no visible damage to Villa 7 or 9 which are right next to Villa 8, like 5 feet away. Villa 5 has a few bullet holes in the back of the villa.

I must confess, I was expecting to find more damage and was quite surprised. Let me know if you have any questions, I can try to answer them (if they are reasonable that is). Like others have reported, driving around town was pretty normal - except parts of Benito Juarez and Calle 13 are roped off for construction.

HolaAmigos said:

I am friend of an owner at Bella Sirena. I got a personal tour of Bella Sirena today and thought you might like a report of what I found.

Villa 8 is still a federal crime zone and is protected by local police. You cannot enter into the villa from the front or back but you can walk by it and look inside from 20 feet away. Besides Villa 8, here is the damage to the resort:

The front gate was smashed by a Cartel SUV on Dec 18, and is under repair. There are a few bullet holes outside the front gate to the left of pedestrian gate as you walk through. The general consensus is this is the gray truck shown in the news reports was the only car to enter the resort that morning and was shot many times. The vehicle made it from the front gate to Villa 8, and eventually lost all of its oil in an oil slick from the front gate to Villa 8. I believe this as failed attempt to rescue and remove the cartel boss. There are many stories but the general consensus is that cartel boss died that day at Bella Sirena.

There are very few bullet holes, except on Villa 8 you can see in all of the photos. Here is a good public site showing the photos if you have not seen them: http://www.azcentral.com/photo/27250 . Apparently the Federales used a few 5th story condos for snipers and had a crew on the ground with machine guns along with a high caliber machine gun at the front gate (and of course the 2 blackhawk helicopters). There are about a dozen bullet holes on the ground floor of the A building centered in two areas. There are a few bullet holes on the 5th floor of the A building. There are no visible bullet holes in the B, C, D, and E buildings. All of the bullet holes except for Villa 8 have been repaired via stucco, and will be repainted soon.

There are no bullet holes in any of the 20 villas, except for Villa 8 and 5. There was no visible damage to Villa 7 or 9 which are right next to Villa 8, like 5 feet away. Villa 5 has a few bullet holes in the back of the villa.

I must confess, I was expecting to find more damage and was quite surprised. Let me know if you have any questions, I can try to answer them (if they are reasonable that is). Like others have reported, driving around town was pretty normal - except parts of Benito Juarez and Calle 13 are roped off for construction.

HolaAmigos said:

The A building has bullet holes on the main floor, or the stucco below the main floor, across from Villa 8. There are 2 spots of bullet holes on the stucco probably made by a strafing cartel AK 47. There are 2 bullet holes on the 5th floor, at the location of the condo where a Federal sniper was located. There were no bullet holes on floors 2,3,4 or floors 6,7,8 that I could see.

The fact that there were less than 20 bullet holes across from Villa 8 (on building A), and literally 100s of bullets holes on Villa 8 seems to indicate the Federales totally dominated the firefight. This is also supported by the fact that no Federales died, but many cartel members died on that day. I was just expecting more damage around the complex, and it is not to be found.

I have heard so many stories in the 1.5 weeks on what happened at Bella Sirena that are not supported by my observations today. I don't say this to downplay the seriousness of the event - I am just reporting what I saw. I will be back there tomorrow and I will try to take some pictures to post.

Attached is a map of Bella Sirena I found on the internet, Villa 8 is the villa pointing right at the letters "AA" which indicate the A building. The A building is the 8 story building that is closest to Las Palmas and the Sea.

Estero said:

Heard the Reef was sold out. And a lot, I mean a lot of cars headed South today as I was headed North.

Eric said:

I agree absolutely the Military dominated that fight without any doubt. The fire power the military brought that day the cartel didnt stand any chance. Most of the cartel was dead in the first 30 - 45 minutes. The slower paced shooting that went on for the next 2.5 hours was just a mop up of the 1 or 2 cartel guys left behind by their fleeing cartel friends. Those guys hunkered down & were pinned down until they met their doom. The helos were just there to terrify the cartel into giving up or fleeing. Blasts by the helos near the cartel guys was a mental game changer that morning.

HolaAmigos said:

I am friend of an owner at Bella Sirena. I got a personal tour of Bella Sirena today and thought you might like a report of what I found.

Rick S said:

Yes, he does have an idea of what a war zone is like....and I do too. We were both in RP on the 18th, and it was definitely a war zone for 4-5 hours.

ADR said:

I am not negating his or your feelings, and I apologize if it felt as such, but my point remains the same.
Simply put, being in a war zone is not the same thing as being in a one day planned military action against specific targets.
The difference is that you guys are ok, and are able to leave the area and not return if you choose. Soldiers fighting in a war zone, and those living in a war zone, cannot just decide to up and leave, and their wars rage on day after day after day, with no end in sight.

Estero said:

An interesting read on the relationship between Traffickers and the CIA. SPOOKY. http://www.esquire.com/features/pariah-gary-webb-0998

Roberto said:

That story make me want to move out of the US.........er......o_Oo_Oo_O

ADR said:

I am not negating his or your feelings, and I apologize if it felt as such, but my point remains the same.
Simply put, being in a war zone is not the same thing as being in a one day planned military action against specific targets.
The difference is that you guys are ok, and are able to leave the area and not return if you choose. Soldiers fighting in a war zone, and those living in a war zone, cannot just decide to up and leave, and their wars rage on day after day after day, with no end in sight.

jerry said:

Kruz gang in Cochise county works for Sinaloa.They arm themselves at gun shows.

ben21 said:

Well this story isn't going to die anytime soon...

http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/31/justice/mexican-shootout-fast-and-furious/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

In an interview, San Fernando Mayor Tomas Gloria Requena said it wasn’t true that his town was especially corrupt, or evil.

“San Fernando is Mexico,” he said. “It’s just like anywhere else.”

playaperro said:

Kruz went down on operation Kruz Control....http://blogs.periodistadigital.com/hermosillo.php/2013/12/19/matan-al-macho-prieto-sicario-del-mayo-d

Eric said:

I agree absolutely the Military dominated that fight without any doubt. The fire power the military brought that day the cartel didnt stand any chance. Most of the cartel was dead in the first 30 - 45 minutes. The slower paced shooting that went on for the next 2.5 hours was just a mop up of the 1 or 2 cartel guys left behind by their fleeing cartel friends. Those guys hunkered down & were pinned down until they met their doom. The helos were just there to terrify the cartel into giving up or fleeing. Blasts by the helos near the cartel guys was a mental game changer that morning.