Violent clashes between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel in the western state of Sinaloa in Mexico have resulted in the deaths of at least 53 people, with 51 others reported missing.
Local authorities have confirmed that the ongoing conflict, which began on September 9, continues without signs of abating.
The conflict between the two most powerful factions of the cartel is said to have been sparked by the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a legendary trafficker, in the United States in July. Zambada, aged 74, alleges that a senior member of the rival faction, Los Chapitos, abducted and transported him to the US against his will.
Since the outbreak of violence, the state capital, Culiacán, has witnessed chaotic shootouts, leading to the closure of schools on certain days and early shutdowns of restaurants and shops. More than 40 individuals have been arrested recently, and over 5,000 food packages have been distributed to affected communities, according to Sinaloa’s governor, Rubén Rocha Moya.
To restore order, Mexico’s military has been struggling to contain the violence. On Thursday, Fernando Perez Medina, also known as “El Piyi,” who is alleged to be the head of security for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, leader of the Los Chapitos and son of the incarcerated former cartel leader, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, was arrested.
On Thursday, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador claimed that the United States shares some blame for the unrest, citing past talks about surrender between US officials and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the drug dealer connected to Zambada’s abduction.