The city of Culiacan in Mexico is currently experiencing a wave of violence due to a power struggle within the Sinaloa drug cartel. Dumped bodies, shootouts, and armed convoys are a common occurrence, with over 90 confirmed deaths so far. The recent escalation of violence is attributed to a rupture within the cartel between two factions, leading to a power vacuum. The violence has impacted the daily lives of residents, with fear and insecurity prevalent on the streets.
The conflict escalated in late September when a man, a father walking with his daughter, was kidnapped and later found dead. Dumped bodies with sombreros placed on their heads, possibly a message from the factions involved, have been left on highways. The violence in Culiacan is at a level not seen in fifteen years, with daily shootings and killings contributing to the atmosphere of fear and chaos. The city’s history of being a hub for drug cartels has made it particularly vulnerable to this type of violence.
The power struggle within the Sinaloa cartel began with the capture of Ismael Zambada Garcia, known as “El Mayo,” by the US authorities. Allegations of betrayal and deals with the US have circulated following his capture, leading to tensions within the cartel. El Mayo’s son, Ismael Zamabada Sicairos, known as “El Mayo Flaco,” has been attempting to rally support against rivals within the cartel, known as “Los Chapitos.” The resulting conflict has turned Culiacan into a war zone, with violent confrontations and casualties.
Federal forces have been deployed to Culiacan to try to restore order, but they face challenges in confronting the powerful criminal groups operating in the city. Despite their presence, the criminal organizations maintain control over the streets, with lookouts monitoring movements and activities. The inability of the government to effectively address and combat organized crime has led to criticism and concerns about the situation in Culiacan and other parts of Mexico.
The violence has had a significant impact on the daily lives of residents in Culiacan. Businesses have been forced to close early, schools have shut down, and fear has gripped the population. Families, such as Santiago and his mother Gitzelt, live in constant fear due to the ongoing gun battles and violence in their neighborhoods. The violence has also resulted in an increase in disappearances, with families desperate for information on their missing loved ones.
Isabel Cruz, who runs a search group for missing persons, has faced threats for her efforts to help families find their loved ones. Despite the dangers, she continues her work, highlighting the significant toll that the violence has taken on the community. As the conflict within the Sinaloa cartel continues, the residents of Culiacan endure ongoing fear and uncertainty, with no end in sight to the violence that plagues their city.
