Dozens killed in ongoing violence among rival factions in Sinaloa cartel

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Recent reports indicate that at least 10 more individuals have been killed in Mexico's Sinaloa state, raising the total number of fatalities and missing persons to over 100 amid escalating cartel violence. This surge in violence follows the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, in the United States in late July, which has triggered an internal power struggle within the organization.

Since September 9, approximately 70 deaths have been recorded in Sinaloa, primarily in the capital, Culiacan. Reports from various media sources indicate that 51 individuals remain missing due to the ongoing conflict.

On Saturday, a series of violent incidents unfolded in Culiacan, beginning with a shootout between police and suspected hitmen in the Tres Rios area. Following this, unknown assailants blocked roads using vehicles near the prosecutor’s office. Additional attacks against security forces resulted in three suspected gunmen being killed and several soldiers injured.

The recent violence is attributed to a factional battle between supporters of El Chapo Guzman and those loyal to Zambada. The U.S. government has been drawn into the discussion, with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador suggesting that Zambada's capture was planned unilaterally by the U.S. However, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar refuted this claim, stating that the violence occurring in Sinaloa cannot be blamed on the United States.