Culiacan, Mexico, is currently caught in the midst of a brutal power struggle within the Sinaloa drug cartel, leading to extreme violence and fear among the city’s residents. Dumped bodies, shootouts, and armed convoys have become daily occurrences, with over 90 confirmed deaths already. Victims are often left in public areas with sombreros placed on their heads, sending unclear messages to onlookers. This surge in violence is a stark departure from the relative peace the city has experienced for the past 15 years.
The conflict within the cartel was triggered by a rupture between two powerful factions led by El Mayo and the remaining sons of El Chapo. The violence began with an ambush on El Mayo, who was subsequently handed over to US authorities by one of El Chapo’s sons. This incident left a power vacuum in the cartel, leading to further unrest and conflict. The emergence of this new leadership struggle has sparked a war within the city, with armed factions engaging in shootouts and leaving a trail of dead bodies in their wake.
Federal forces have intervened, with over 3,000 police and soldiers now stationed in Culiacan. Despite their presence, the criminal groups continue to maintain control of the streets, with lookouts monitoring the movements of both law enforcement and rival factions. Many residents feel that the federal forces are not taking proactive action against the criminal groups, leaving the city at the mercy of organized crime. President Lopez Obrador has called for responsibility from the groups involved but acknowledged the role of the US in the violence.
The ongoing violence has had a significant impact on daily life in Culiacan, with businesses closing early, schools shutting down, and residents living in fear. Many families are struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the chaos, with children like Santiago missing out on school due to the constant danger. The city’s economy has taken a hit, with businesses losing millions of dollars as residents avoid venturing out at night. The fear and trauma caused by the violence have forced many to alter their daily routines and live in constant fear.
In addition to the visible violence and disruption, the city is also grappling with a rising number of disappearances. Isabel Cruz, who runs a search group called Warrior Bloodhounds, has seen a surge in missing persons cases since the conflict began. Families are desperate for answers and support, with many turning to organizations like Warrior Bloodhounds for assistance. Despite facing threats and intimidation, Cruz remains committed to her work, highlighting the resilience of those who continue to fight against the violence plaguing Culiacan. The city’s residents are left to navigate the daily dangers and uncertainty, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing turmoil.
