Background on the Political Figures Involved
Jorge Álvarez Máynez, the national leader of Movimiento Ciudadano (MC), reported that two MC congressmen—Sergio Torres and Elizabeth Montoya—were critically injured in an armed attack in Sinaloa. The assault took place on January 29, 2026, prompting a significant military response from the Mexican government.
The Current State of the Congressmen
Álvarez Máynez stated that both congressmen are hospitalized and under medical observation following various surgical procedures. Sergio Torres, in particular, faces a delicate health situation due to head injuries. Doctors will need at least 48 hours to provide a definitive diagnosis once inflammation decreases. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Montoya lost an eye but has shown a favorable recovery, including walking post-surgery.
Military Deployment in Sinaloa
The Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) announced the deployment of 1,600 Mexican military personnel, including 90 special forces members, to Culiacán and Mazatlán on January 29, 2026. This deployment is part of the National Strategy for Public Security.
- Tasks: The military will conduct dissuasion, prevention, and patrol tasks in coordination with state and federal authorities, adhering to the National Law on the Use of Force and respecting human rights.
- Previous Deployments:
- July 2024: Sedena sent 200 soldiers, including special forces and paratroopers, to Culiacán following the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
- August 2024: In response to escalating violence and early clashes between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, an additional 600 soldiers were deployed.
- September 2024: With persistent increases in homicides and violence linked to internal disputes among criminal groups, another 600 soldiers joined the forces.
- August 2025: Approximately 1,500 soldiers were added to tackle homicides, kidnappings, and narco-blockades.
- January 2026: Following attacks on local MC congressmen, 1,600 soldiers were dispatched to strategic urban areas like Culiacán and Mazatlán.
Government Response and Future Plans
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo announced a visit to Sinaloa—though no specific date was given—to meet with authorities, citizens, and business leaders to review the security situation. She emphasized that strengthening security is part of ongoing efforts.
Sheinbaum mentioned that, after learning about the incident, the Secretary of the Interior contacted MC’s national president to express federal government support. She also noted ongoing collaboration with local authorities to investigate the attack and make arrests.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the injured congressmen? Sergio Torres and Elizabeth Montoya, both members of Movimiento Ciudadano (MC).
- What is the current health status of the congressmen? Sergio Torres faces a delicate health situation due to head injuries, while Elizabeth Montoya lost an eye but is recovering.
- What is the Mexican government’s response to the attack? The government has increased military presence in Sinaloa, deploying 1,600 soldiers to Culiacán and Mazatlán. Previous deployments have totaled over 10,000 military personnel since July 2024.
- What tasks will the military perform in Sinaloa? The military will conduct dissuasion, prevention, and patrol tasks in coordination with state and federal authorities while adhering to the National Law on the Use of Force and respecting human rights.
- What is President Sheinbaum’s plan for Sinaloa? Sheintaum plans to visit Sinaloa to review the security situation, collaborate with local authorities, and strengthen security measures as part of ongoing efforts.
