The situation in Culiacan, Mexico, is one marked by fear and violence on a daily basis as a power struggle within the Sinaloa drug cartel has erupted into a bloody war. The latest spike in violence is the result of a rupture between two factions of the cartel, leading to shootouts in broad daylight, armed convoys roaming the city, and a high death toll. The violence has left the city residents living in constant fear and uncertainty.
The conflict within the cartel began with the capture of El Mayo, a powerful leader within the organization, by the rival faction led by El Chapo’s sons. The resulting power vacuum escalated into open warfare, with members of both factions engaging in deadly skirmishes throughout Culiacan. Federal forces have been deployed to the city, but the criminal groups remain a dominant presence, with lookouts monitoring the streets and keeping a lookout for potential threats.
The escalating violence has had a profound impact on daily life in Culiacan, with businesses closing early, schools shutting down, and residents living in constant fear. Residents are afraid to venture out at night, and the local economy has suffered significant losses. Many families are struggling to cope with the violence, with children traumatized by the sounds of gun battles and families torn apart by disappearances.
Isabel Cruz, who runs a long-term search group called Warrior Bloodhounds, has seen a surge in the number of missing persons cases since the violence escalated. Families are desperate for answers and guidance, but authorities offer little assistance, leaving them to fend for themselves. Despite threats against her, Cruz continues to seek justice for the missing and bring attention to their plight.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has faced criticism for his handling of the situation, with many viewing the violence in Culiacan as a failure of his administration to effectively combat organized crime. The kingpin strategy, which has focused on capturing or killing cartel leaders, has not resulted in a decrease in violence or control by criminal groups. As Lopez Obrador prepares to leave office, the situation in Culiacan remains tense and volatile, with residents living in constant fear of the next outbreak of violence.
