Violence surges in Sinaloa as Mexican military kills 19 suspected cartel members
The Ministry of National Defense in Mexico reported that 19 suspected members of the Sinaloa cartel were killed in a shootout with the military in Culiacan. The incident occurred after more than 30 gunmen opened fire on soldiers, leading to a violent confrontation.
Following the arrest of Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia in July, intra-cartel violence has escalated in the region. The recent clash is believed to be linked to Zambada’s faction, with one local leader, Edwin Antonio “N,” being apprehended during the confrontation.
In July, Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of “El Chapo” Guzman, were arrested in the US. Zambada is currently facing drug trafficking and murder charges, while Guzman Lopez pleaded not guilty to similar charges in a Chicago court.
The surge in gang violence in Sinaloa has resulted in over 200 deaths and hundreds missing, highlighting the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico.