Escalating Violence in Sinaloa Cartel War

The Mexican city of Culiacan is experiencing heightened fears and disruption due to escalating violence linked to a power struggle between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel following the arrest of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada. Schools and businesses have shut down as local officials, including Governor Rubén Rocha and President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, attempt to manage the situation, although many residents feel unsafe and skeptical about government control. Recent shootouts have left at least one soldier and two civilians dead, with reports of armed confrontations between rival factions, Los Chapitos and El Mayo's supporters. Analysts suggest that the violence is a direct result of internal cartel conflicts, exacerbated by Zambada's capture, with fears of a full-blown intra-cartel war looming. Despite the deployment of additional security forces, the atmosphere in Culiacan remains tense, with many residents choosing to keep their children home from school. The situation continues to evolve, and government officials are closely monitoring developments while calling for calm.