CULIACAN (Mexico), Sept 22 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Mexican media reported 10 new deaths on Saturday in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, where rival cartel factions have been in open conflict with each other and authorities in recent days.
The uptick in violence comes after the surprise arrest on US soil of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in late July, which is believed to have unleashed an internal power struggle within the group.
Around 70 people have been killed in the state since September 9, mostly in the capital city Culiacan, according to official and press tallies.
Three incidents occurred on Saturday in the central Tres Rios area of Culiacan.
The first was a shootout between police and alleged hitmen, after which unknown individuals blockaded a road with cars and motorcycles about 200 meters (650 feet) from the prosecutor’s office.
Separately, security agents were attacked by gunmen who then fled into an apartment building. An ensuing shootout left three alleged criminals dead, one arrested and two soldiers injured, Governor Ruben Rocha Moya wrote on X.
“The security forces managed to evacuate six adults and a minor from the property where the aggressors were taking refuge,” said Rocha, who traveled on Saturday to Mexico City to meet with president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum.
The federal government also sent 600 soldiers on Saturday to reinforce security in Sinaloa.
Local media also reported seven other deaths. The bodies of five people were left in the street, half-naked and wearing hats, in what is presumed to be a message of intimidation between the warring factions.
Authorities have yet to comment on the deaths.
Zambada, 76, was arrested on July 25 after flying across the US border. He claims he was kidnapped in Mexico and delivered into US custody against his will.
He was detained along with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who is serving a life sentence in the United States.
The wave of violence is believed to pit gang members loyal to El Chapo and his sons against others aligned with Zambada.
He pleaded not guilty to a raft of charges during a recent court appearance in New York.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who leaves office at the end of the month, has placed partial blame on the United States, saying it unilaterally planned Zambada’s capture.
The claim was rejected by US ambassador Ken Salazar on Friday. — NNN-AGENCIES
