Culiacan faces an explosive crisis as cartel violence escalates

Culiacan, Mexico, has recently faced escalating violence as a result of internal power struggles within the Sinaloa cartel. This period of bloodshed was triggered by the capture of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a co-founder of the cartel, in July 2024. Following his arrest, media reports emerged on November 25, detailing at least seven fatalities from various shootouts across the city. In addition, two people were reported missing, and the violence was marked by the public dumping of five tortured bodies in front of a university the following day. The violence appears to be connected to a fierce rivalry between the factions led by El Mayo's followers and the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, known as "Los Chapitos." Guzman is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison. The conflict has intensified particularly since Zambada's arrest, with the Sinaloa cartel historically dealing with issues of internal power and betrayal, leading to severe consequences for those caught in the crossfire. A glimpse into daily life in Culiacan reveals the omnipresence of fear. Many businesses are closing, families of the missing continue to grieve publicly, and communities are increasingly reporting a mental health crisis due to the violence. Residents have taken to creating memorials in front of the cathedral to honor those lost, while local institutions face increased strain due to the cartel wars. This ongoing unrest is juxtaposed with the broader implications of U.S. involvement in Mexican cartel conflicts. While the U.S. has historically backed Mexican efforts to combat drug trafficking, critics argue that this approach has often exacerbated violence rather than alleviating it. The statistics speak volumes; since the government declared the war on cartels in 2006, Mexico has witnessed more than 431,000 homicides. The current situation comes amid fears that violence in Culiacan might worsen under a new U.S. administration that has previously suggested extreme measures against Mexican drug cartels.