In Mexico’s western Sinaloa state, at least 53 people have been killed and 51 others reported missing following violent clashes between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Local authorities confirmed on Friday that the brutal conflict, which erupted on 9 September, shows no signs of abating.
The strife between the two most powerful factions of the cartel was reportedly triggered by the arrest of legendary trafficker Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States in July. Zambada, 74, has claimed that a senior member of the rival faction, Los Chapitos, kidnapped him and transported him to the US against his will.
Since the outbreak of violence, Culiacán, the state capital, has experienced chaotic shootouts, forcing schools to close on certain days and leading to early shutdowns of restaurants and shops. Sinaloa’s governor, Rubén Rocha Moya, reported that more than 40 individuals have been arrested in recent days, while over 5,000 food packages have been distributed to affected communities.
In a bid to restore order, Mexico’s military has struggled to rein in the violence. On Thursday, they arrested Fernando Perez Medina, known as “El Piyi,” who is alleged to be the head of security for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, leader of the Los Chapitos and son of the incarcerated former cartel leader, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Amidst the turmoil, Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) is attempting to address a separate issue: a tigress tied to a tree in Sinaloa. Senior narcos are known to keep exotic animals as pets, and Profepa announced that it is providing resources to assist local authorities in rescuing the animal.
Due to security concerns, veterinarians have refused to help, prompting Profepa to supply military officials with a “cage, a dart rifle, and darts” for the rescue, although ongoing violence has hindered these efforts.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador stated on Thursday that the United States bears some responsibility for the instability, referencing prior surrender negotiations involving US officials and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the trafficker implicated in Zambada’s kidnapping.
US officials have confirmed these discussions, but Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar noted that American personnel were not involved in Zambada’s abduction, adding that US officials were surprised to discover him on their soil.
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