Mexico City: Violent clashes between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have left 53 people dead and 51 missing in Mexico’s western Sinaloa state since fighting erupted on September 9, local authorities confirmed on Friday. The conflict, which has paralyzed daily life in many areas, shows no sign of abating as Mexico’s military struggles to bring the violence under control.
The deadly infighting was triggered in July following the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a legendary drug trafficker and leader of one Sinaloa Cartel faction. Zambada, who is currently held in the United States, claims he was kidnapped by members of the rival Los Chapitos faction, led by Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, son of notorious cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
The violence has severely impacted the state capital, Culiacan, with frequent shootouts forcing schools to close and businesses to shutter early. Despite heightened military presence, including the arrest of Ivan Guzman’s security chief, Fernando Perez Medina, known as “El Piyi”, on Thursday, the violence persists.
Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya said over 40 arrests have been made in recent days, while more than 5,000 food packages were distributed to residents affected by the unrest.
Adding to the chaotic scene, environmental officials are also grappling with an unusual situation: the rescue of a tigress tied to a tree, allegedly owned by a senior cartel figure. The Mexican government’s environmental agency, Profepa, noted that local vets had refused to help due to safety concerns, and military personnel have been unable to reach the animal due to the ongoing violence.
Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has criticized the United States for its involvement in the arrest of Zambada, claiming that U.S. authorities contributed to the region’s instability. However, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar stated that the U.S. was not involved in Zambada’s kidnapping, which took place on July 25, though U.S. officials had previously engaged in negotiations with Guzman Lopez.
As the cartel war rages on, both Mexican and U.S. authorities continue to navigate the complex and dangerous dynamics of Sinaloa’s cartel landscape.
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