In the ongoing conflict in Mexico’s Sinaloa state, 53 people have lost their lives and 51 others are reported missing since rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel began battling on September 9, local authorities revealed on Friday.
The violent clashes show no signs of letting up.
The conflict erupted following the July arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent trafficker and leader of one faction.
Zambada, 74, has claimed that a senior member of the rival faction, Los Chapitos, kidnapped him and transported him to the U.S. against his will.
Since the fighting began, gunfire has disrupted everyday life in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa.
Schools have occasionally closed, and many businesses have shuttered early due to safety concerns.
Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya announced on Friday that over 40 individuals have been arrested in recent days, and more than 5,000 food packages have been distributed to those affected by the violence.
In a related development, the Mexican military arrested Fernando Perez Medina, known as “El Piyi,” who is alleged to be the head of security for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman, the leader of Los Chapitos and son of imprisoned kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
This arrest took place in Culiacan, according to federal security sources.
In a peculiar turn of events, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has also been involved, providing resources to assist in the care of a tigress tied to a tree an animal often kept as a pet by senior cartel members.
Vets in Sinaloa have reportedly refused to help due to security concerns, prompting Profepa to supply military officials with a cage and dart rifle.
However, ongoing violence has hindered the military’s ability to rescue the animal.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador commented on the situation, suggesting that the U.S. shares some responsibility for the instability, alluding to earlier negotiations between U.S. officials and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the trafficker implicated in Zambada’s kidnapping. U.S. officials confirmed that talks did occur, but U.S.
Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, emphasized last month that American resources were not involved in Zambada’s abduction.
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