Over 100 Feared Dead or Missing Amid Escalating Violence
In a shocking surge of violence, more than 100 people have either been killed or reported missing in Mexico’s western Sinaloa state since rival factions of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel started clashing on September 9th. Local authorities reported on Friday that 53 people have been confirmed dead, while another 51 remain missing, as the cartel’s violent power struggle continues to spiral out of control.
The conflict’s origins trace back to July, when Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a legendary trafficker and head of one of the most powerful factions within the Sinaloa Cartel, was reportedly abducted and transported to the United States against his will by a high-ranking member of a rival faction, Los Chapitos. Zambada, now 74, alleges that his kidnapping was orchestrated by Los Chapitos as part of a strategic move to weaken his influence.
Since the violent outbreak on September 9th, Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacán, has become a battleground. Shootouts have shattered the peace of daily life, leading to the closure of schools, restaurants, and shops. In an attempt to quell the chaos, Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha Moya announced that more than 40 arrests have been made in recent days. As a humanitarian measure, over 5,000 food packages have also been distributed to support residents affected by the conflict.
The Mexican military, struggling to bring the situation under control, made a significant breakthrough on Thursday with the arrest of Fernando Perez Medina, alias “El Piyi.” Perez Medina is said to be the head of security for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, the son of the infamous Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and a leader of Los Chapitos. This arrest marks a critical moment in the ongoing battle between the cartel factions.
In a bizarre twist, Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) revealed that they are working with local authorities to feed a tiger tied to a tree, believed to be a pet of one of the cartel’s senior members. Due to the security risks, local veterinarians have refused to assist, and the military has been tasked with the rescue operation.
Amid this turmoil, Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador criticized the United States for their role in the conflict, stating that U.S. officials “carried out this operation” that led to the recent escalation. While U.S. authorities confirmed prior talks with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, they maintained that no American resources or personnel were involved in the kidnapping of Zambada.
As the Sinaloa Cartel war rages on, there seems to be no end in sight to the bloodshed and chaos gripping the region.
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Over 100 Feared Dead or Missing Amid Escalating Violence
