Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador attributed the recent spike in cartel violence in Sinaloa to the United States, as the state grapples with escalating violence resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals in the past week. In Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, two factions of the Sinaloa cartel are embroiled in a power struggle, leading to clashes between gunmen and security forces with an increasing number of casualties being reported. Military operations, including circling helicopters, have been deployed in the northern part of the city in response to the ongoing violence.

Despite the city slowly returning to normalcy with schools reopening and soldiers patrolling the streets, many families remain in hiding as safety concerns persist. Residents express fear of venturing outside due to the dangerous environment created by the ongoing clashes. A mother in Culiacan shared her anxieties, highlighting the lack of security for citizens, especially children, in the city.

The surge in violence was anticipated following the arrival of Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, near El Paso in late July. Reports indicate that his companion, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure within the cartel, was apprehended by American authorities. President López Obrador has pointed fingers at U.S. officials, accusing them of triggering the unrest in Sinaloa through Zambada’s capture.

Amidst escalating tensions, the Mexican government contemplates pursuing treason charges against those involved in the operation. The strained U.S.-Mexico relationship has faced numerous challenges, compounded by recent disagreements over judicial reforms and handling of cartel violence. López Obrador’s passive approach to combating cartels, preferring dialogue over confrontations, has faced criticism as violence persists across the country.

Despite the president’s efforts to urge Sinaloa’s factions to act responsibly, the bloodshed in the region persists, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by Mexico. The relentless violence orchestrated by cartels, employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, poses a significant threat to public safety, warranting urgent attention and effective strategies to ensure the well-being of citizens.