Fugitive Drug Lord Injured After Near-Capture By Mexican Military

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Fugitive drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán was injured after escaping Mexican authorities who were closing in on recapturing the kingpin.

Guzmán suffered injuries to his leg and his face as he made a quick escape last week. NBC News reports that Mexican Marines closed in on a ranch in the Sierra Madre mountains of western Mexico where Guzmán was hiding, but after entering the compound on foot, the drug lord and his accomplices had already fled. Authorities chased Guzmán and were believed to have gotten within a two-mile radius of his location, but they still have yet to capture the fugitive leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

"The fugitive engaged in a hasty retreat, which, according to the information received, caused him injuries to one leg and the face," a statement from the Mexican government. "It's important to clarify that these injuries were not a product of a direct clash." The government did not provide further details as to how he suffered the injuries or how serious they were.

"El Chapo" is the target of a massive manhunt in Mexico after his escape from a high-security prison in July through an elaborate tunnel. Earlier this month, Mexico's attorney general announced the detention of the pilot who is suspected of flying Guzman after his escape.

As part of a military operation to capture Guzmán, Mexican military forces have been raiding rural towns and villages in the northwest part of the country, reports the L.A. Times. The fighting has left locals dodging gunfire, fleeing their homes, and accusing the government of endangering the lives of civilians in order to capture or kill one man.

The area he has been suspected of hiding in is known as the "Golden Triangle" is the homeland of the Sinaloa Cartel and is a remote, mountainous region with plenty of hiding places.

Authorities examine the tunnel Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman used to escape from the Altiplano prison (Photo courtesy of AP)