Authorities in Mexico have identified the bodies of three kidnapped mining workers from the Canadian firm Vizsla Silver Corp, heightening concerns over escalating violence in the region. The tragic discovery occurred near the rural village of El Verde, in Sinaloa, after the men were kidnapped on January 23.
Bodies of Kidnapped Canadian Mining Workers Identified
The three workers, including José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, Ignacio Aurelio Salazar Flores, and José Ángel Hernández Vélez, were confirmed dead following their abduction from Concordia, a municipality about 50 kilometers east of Mazatlán. Family members identified the bodies through official channels, marking a devastating outcome for their loved ones.
Details of the Kidnapping
- Date of Kidnapping: January 23
- Location: Concordia, Sinaloa
- Identified Victims:
- José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, 43
- Ignacio Aurelio Salazar Flores, 40
- José Ángel Hernández Vélez, 37
Jaime Castañeda, brother of José Manuel, expressed deep sorrow during a phone interview. He described the situation as extremely painful, particularly for the families involved. José Manuel was a devoted father of two and had been working for Vizsla Silver at the time of his kidnapping.
Context of Violence in Sinaloa
This kidnapping occurred amid escalating violence fueled by a civil war between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. One faction, Los Chapitos, remains aligned with the family of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The opposing faction, La Mayiza, supports Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Local authorities suspect that Los Chapitos orchestrated the kidnapping.
According to recent statistics, there have been 2,776 intentional homicides and 3,290 reported missing persons in Sinaloa since the violence surged in early 2024.
Responses from the Community and Authorities
Vizsla Silver publicly expressed condolences for the families, emphasizing their commitment to support those affected. In addition to the identified workers, several families were present at the federal attorney general’s office to identify other victims.
Ignacio Aurelio Salazar’s wife, Dayanara Nataly Esparza, confirmed his identity, describing the moment as profoundly heartbreaking. Similarly, the identity of José Ángel Hernández Vélez was verified by a government official, highlighting the community’s collective grief.
Analysts view the targeting of these foreign workers as a show of power by criminal factions. David Mora from the International Crisis Group indicated that this incident may aim to assert dominance in the region, especially given the strategic importance of Concordia for mineral resources.
Impact on Families and Future Concerns
The impact of these events reaches beyond the families directly affected. The situation raises significant concerns about security, as workers and their families grapple with the terrifying reality of violence in their communities. As investigations continue, the focus remains on re-establishing safety and supporting the affected families through this traumatic time.
