In Mexico’s Sinaloa state, authorities reported on Sunday that at least 14 individuals were killed in a surge of violence triggered by the arrest of drug trafficker Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States. According to the state attorney general’s office, most of these killings occurred on Saturday in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa.
The prosecutor’s office announced on Sunday that it had initiated 10 investigations pertaining to the homicides of the 14 victims. In recent months, conflict among criminal organizations vying for control over territory in Culiacan has disrupted daily life, forcing the closure of businesses and schools.
The Pacific coast state has experienced increased violence following the late July arrest of Sinaloa cartel leader Zambada, who was transported to an airstrip in Texas and swiftly apprehended by U.S. authorities. In response to the persistent violence, Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has deployed hundreds of military personnel equipped with armored vehicles and high-powered weapons to Sinaloa, although clashes continue.
Authorities disclosed on Saturday the discovery of coolers containing human remains, including a head, with symbols indicating the involvement of rival gangs. Additionally, a shootout on Tuesday on the outskirts of Culiacan resulted in the deaths of 19 suspected gang members and the arrest of a local cartel leader. Between September 9, when the wave of violence purportedly commenced, and October 18, at least 172 individuals have been killed, with over 200 others reported missing.