Sinaloa drug cartel stronghold under attack by Mexican military, roads blocked | Crime News

Renewed violence in Sinaloa state following US arrests of drug lords Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada

After the recent arrests of top Sinaloa drug lords, including Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, Mexico has seen a surge in violence in the northern Sinaloa state.

Attacks on Mexican military personnel and roadblocks have been reported in areas around the state capital Culiacan, known as the stronghold of the notorious jailed drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and his sons. Gunmen targeted a military patrol and set up roadblocks, hindering authorities’ access to the area.

There are suspicions that Joaquin Guzman Lopez may have traded Zambada to US authorities in exchange for personal benefits. Both were detained in the US, while Ovidio Guzman, another son of El Chapo, remains in US custody after being extracted from prison before the arrest of his brother and Zambada.

With only Ivan Archivaldo, another son of El Chapo, still free, the US has offered a $10m reward for information leading to his arrest, as the ongoing drug cartel power struggles continue to grip the region.