US Ambassador denies responsibility for Sinaloa cartel violence

U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar has firmly rejected claims made by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that the United States shares responsibility for the recent surge in violence in Sinaloa. This violence erupted following the arrests of two leaders of the Sinaloa cartel in the U.S., leading to fierce clashes between rival factions in Culiacan. The situation has escalated, with reports indicating at least 53 fatalities and numerous disappearances since the violence began. Salazar emphasized that attributing the violence to the U.S. is incomprehensible, stating that the ongoing security crisis in Mexico is the root cause of the turmoil. He pointed out that the violence is a reflection of broader issues within Mexico, rather than a consequence of U.S. actions. The ambassador's comments came during a news conference in Chihuahua, where he addressed the escalating conflict and the fear it has instilled in local families. The violence has been marked by brutal tactics, including public displays of bodies, which have become symbols of the ongoing cartel warfare. Local authorities have responded by deploying additional military personnel to the region in an attempt to restore order. Meanwhile, López Obrador's administration has faced criticism for its handling of cartel violence, with the president previously asserting that the cartels respect citizens and primarily engage in internal conflicts. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of the cartel violence extend beyond Sinaloa, raising concerns about the overall security landscape in Mexico and the effectiveness of the government's strategies to combat organized crime.