Culiacan schools and businesses shut down amid cartel fears

Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, has experienced significant disruptions as schools and businesses closed due to fears of violent clashes between factions of the Sinaloa cartel. The unrest follows the recent arrests of two cartel leaders in the U.S., leading to a power struggle among the remaining leaders, particularly the sons of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. Local authorities, including Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha, have attempted to reassure the public by emphasizing the presence of security forces, but many residents feel unsafe and unprotected. The situation has escalated to the point where upcoming celebrations for Mexican Independence have been canceled, and schools suspended classes due to low attendance. Despite the government's claims of maintaining order, local journalist Ismael Bojórquez expressed skepticism, stating that the government appears to be ineffective in controlling the violence. He noted that residents are taking precautions by keeping their children home from school, reflecting a pervasive sense of fear in the community. The violence is attributed to ongoing conflicts between the Chapitos, the sons of El Chapo, and supporters of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, the cartel's elder figure. This internal struggle for power has led to increased shootouts and kidnappings, further destabilizing the region. The government’s response has been criticized as passive, with many believing they are merely observing the conflict rather than actively intervening. As the situation continues to unfold, the residents of Culiacan remain on edge, grappling with the implications of cartel violence on their daily lives and the effectiveness of government measures to ensure their safety.