In the past two weeks, at least 30 individuals have been killed in Mexico's northern state of Sinaloa due to ongoing clashes between two factions of the powerful Sinaloa cartel.

In the past two weeks, at least 30 individuals have lost their lives in Mexico's northern state of Sinaloa due to ongoing conflicts between two factions of the influential Sinaloa cartel, according to authorities. Defense Secretary Luis Cresencio Sandoval reported that among those killed were two military personnel. The violence erupted on September 9, despite the deployment of over 2,000 security personnel to the area.

The recent surge in violence was anticipated following the arrival of Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who landed near El Paso, Texas on July 25 with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the cartel's elder and reclusive leader. After his arrest, Zambada claimed in a letter distributed by his lawyer that he had been forcibly taken to the U.S. by the younger Guzmán.

Currently, a power struggle is unfolding between the remaining sons of El Chapo, locally known as “the Chapitos,” and those loyal to Zambada. The latest clashes have centered in Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacan, and highlight the escalating violence that continues to afflict Mexico. Cartels are now utilizing increasingly advanced tactics, including roadside bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), trenches, homemade armored vehicles, and bomb-dropping drones.

Since the start of last week, Culiacan has been largely immobilized, with schools closed, businesses shuttered, and transportation severely limited due to widespread fear of being caught in crossfire. Sandoval noted that 2,200 members of the armed forces and the National Guard have been deployed to Sinaloa to bolster security, with the possibility of further military reinforcement still under consideration.

Regional army commander Jesús Leana Ojeda stated on Monday that the resolution of the conflict is not within their control but rather depends on the warring factions ceasing their hostilities. He emphasized the military's role in preventing further confrontations and loss of life.

Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha, despite receiving additional military support and helicopters, suspended schools and Mexican Independence Day festivities over the weekend. However, classes resumed on Tuesday.

Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador asserted on Tuesday that the Armed Forces are focused on safeguarding the population and preventing clashes between criminal groups. Throughout his presidency, López Obrador has promoted a “hugs not bullets” approach, aimed at avoiding direct confrontations with cartels and addressing the root causes of criminality through job training programs for youths. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has indicated that she will continue with her predecessor’s security policies.