MEXICO CITY, Mexico: A deadly shootout near Culiacan, the capital of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, claimed the lives of 19 suspected cartel members on Monday, according to Mexico’s defence ministry.
The violence erupted when a group of over 30 gunmen ambushed soldiers around 11 kilometers from the city. Federal agents returned fire, forcing some of the attackers to flee.
The ministry reported the arrest of Edwin Antonio “N,” a local leader tied to the Sinaloa Cartel faction led by co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. A government document also identified the suspect as Edwin Antonio Rubio Lopez. Seized during the operation were seven vehicles, nearly 30 firearms, and military gear.
Sinaloa has seen rising intra-cartel violence, particularly between factions loyal to Zambada and Los Chapitos, a rival group. Tensions have escalated since Zambada’s arrest in July and his forced extradition to the U.S. The rivalry between these factions has fueled a surge in violence, with approximately 200 dead and 300 people missing since September.
This shootout highlights the ongoing instability in Sinaloa, a hotspot of cartel activity in Mexico’s long-running drug wars.
