At least 53 people have been killed and 51 others are reported missing in Mexico’s western state of Sinaloa, following intense clashes between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. The violence, which erupted on September 9, shows no signs of slowing down, according to local authorities. The conflict stems from a power struggle between two of the cartel’s most powerful factions.
The tensions began in July when Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a legendary drug trafficker and leader of one of the factions, was arrested in the United States. Zambada, 74, claims he was kidnapped by a senior member of Los Chapitos, the other prominent faction within the cartel, and flown to the U.S. against his will.
Since the outbreak of violence, daily life in the capital city of Culiacan has been severely disrupted. Shootouts have forced schools to close intermittently, while many restaurants and shops have shut down early for fear of the ongoing violence.
Sinaloa governor Ruben Rocha Moya reported on Friday that over 40 people have been arrested in connection with the clashes, and more than 5,000 food packages have been distributed to residents across the state.
Mexico’s military, which has struggled to restore order in the region, made a key arrest on Thursday, capturing Fernando Perez Medina, also known as “El Piyi.” Medina is the alleged head of security for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, leader of the Los Chapitos faction and the son of the notorious former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
In a related incident, Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) reported that it is working with local authorities to feed a tigress found tied to a tree in the area. It is common for senior Sinaloan cartel members to keep tigers as pets. However, veterinarians have declined to assist in the tigress’ care due to security concerns, prompting Profepa to provide military officials with necessary equipment, including a cage and a dart rifle. The ongoing violence has delayed the rescue operation.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized the United States on Thursday, stating that the U.S. bore some responsibility for the instability, as they had “carried out this operation.” This comment referred to prior surrender negotiations between U.S. officials and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a trafficker involved in the kidnapping of Zambada.
While U.S. officials have confirmed holding talks with Guzman, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar stated last month that American authorities were surprised to find Zambada on U.S. soil. Salazar also emphasized that no U.S. personnel or resources were involved in the July 25 kidnapping of Zambada.
