Mexico has recently sent dozens of special forces troops to the state of Sinaloa in a major attempt to tackle the escalating violence caused by rival drug cartels. Since the beginning of September, the region has been rocked by intense conflict between two powerful factions of the Sinaloa Cartel: “Los Chapitos” and “La Mayiza.” This violence has resulted in over 400 deaths and left many people missing, making it a dangerous time for the people living there. In response, the Mexican government has stepped up efforts to regain control over the area and protect its citizens.
A Surge of Military Presence
To counter the violence, Mexico’s Ministry of Defense (SEDENA) has sent a large number of soldiers to the region, including 100 new units of the country’s Special Forces. These troops arrived by plane from the National Guard and are joining hundreds of other military personnel already stationed in the state. Their main mission is to monitor the situation and strengthen the security around Sinaloa.
The Special Forces troops will be responsible for a range of tasks, including surveillance and installing new checkpoints across the state. By doing so, they hope to limit the movement of criminals and curb the violence that has been sweeping through the streets. The government has already made progress by arresting several key figures within the cartels, aiming to weaken the groups’ power and control. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce the violence and regain order in the region.
Cartels Cause Widespread Destruction
The violence between the two cartel factions has led to several violent clashes and widespread destruction. One of the most notable acts of destruction took place when cartel members attacked the C4/ISR center in Sinaloa, a high-tech military facility used for communications and surveillance. Cartel members destroyed over 80 video cameras and other surveillance equipment that were crucial for the security operations in the state. This attack was seen as a direct challenge to the government’s control over the region.
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In addition to destroying military equipment, there have been reports of multiple gunfights breaking out in various parts of Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, during the early hours of November 26. These violent encounters left the people of Sinaloa living in fear, as the gunfire echoed through the streets. The constant threat of violence has made life difficult for residents, especially with so many cartels fighting for control of territory and resources.
The Growing Toll on Civilians in Sinaloa
The violence in Sinaloa has had devastating consequences for civilians. Since the turf wars between “Los Chapitos” and “La Mayiza” started in September, the local authorities have recorded at least 409 homicides related to cartel activity. This number continues to rise as the fighting between the two factions intensifies. Many innocent people have been caught in the crossfire, and the situation shows no sign of improving anytime soon.
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In addition to the deaths, hundreds of people have gone missing in the region. The organization “Sabuesos Guerreras,” which is dedicated to finding missing people, has been investigating these disappearances. According to their data, from September 1 to October 30, over 150 people went missing in Culiacán alone. Sadly, only a small number of them have been found alive, while others have been found dead. This has caused great concern among families and communities, as they fear for the safety of their loved ones.
In response to the ongoing violence, the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) made the decision to temporarily suspend in-person classes in the municipalities of Culiacán and Navolato. The university announced that it was prioritizing the safety of its students and staff, recognizing the constant danger posed by the cartel battles taking place near their campuses.
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The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum has introduced several security measures in an attempt to curb the violence, including the creation of a special task force, the “Fuerza de Tarea.” Despite these efforts, the situation in Sinaloa remains dire, with the authorities struggling to contain the spread of cartel violence. The recent violence and destruction show just how difficult it has been to bring peace to the region.
As the situation continues to unfold, Mexican authorities remain committed to restoring order and preventing further harm to the people of Sinaloa. However, the challenge of dealing with such powerful and violent cartels remains a major obstacle to peace in the region.
