Background on the Situation in Sinaloa
Sinaloa, a western Mexican state known for its significant role in drug trafficking, has seen an increase in military presence to combat escalating violence. The state has been the epicenter of a power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel, with factions led by “Los Chapitos” (the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán) and “La Mayiza,” loyal to the detained capo Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. This internal conflict has resulted in a surge of violence and criminal activities.
Recent Military Deployments
In response to this growing instability, the Mexican government has intensified its security efforts. On August 1st, an additional 600 military personnel arrived in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa. These soldiers joined forces already present, including Special Forces and Paracidists, to bolster security operations.
Following this deployment, five more military units, each consisting of 300 troops, arrived in Culiacán on Sunday. These units traveled from different parts of southern Sinaloa as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen security, curb criminal groups, and locate clandestine labs producing synthetic drugs.
Leadership Changes and Allegations
The recent military reinforcements coincide with a change in command of the Ninth Military Zone. General Santos Gerardo Soto assumed leadership from General Porfirio Fuentes Vélez in a ceremony held on August 1st. General Fuentes Vélez, who had been in charge since October 2023, was transferred to the V Military Region based in Jalisco.
During his tenure, General Fuentes Vélez faced allegations of connections with a Sinaloa Cartel faction. However, the state government dismissed these claims, deeming them unfounded.
Government’s Response and Achievements
Over a year since Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s arrest, the federal government has deployed more than 11,000 military personnel in Sinaloa to curb the violence stemming from the cartel’s internal strife.
Omar García Harfuch, the Secretary of Security, emphasized Sinaloa’s priority status for the federal government. In the past two weeks, authorities have apprehended 65 individuals, seized 116 firearms, over 24,000 rounds of ammunition, 615 magazines, nearly 10,000 kilograms of drugs, and dismantled nine methamphetamine labs.
General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the Army Chief, reported that the National Security Strategy has led to a 25% decrease in intentional homicides and an overall reduction in high-impact crimes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the reason for the increased military presence in Sinaloa? The heightened violence resulting from an internal power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel has prompted the Mexican government to deploy additional military forces to restore security and curb criminal activities.
- Who are the main factions involved in the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal conflict? The two primary factions are “Los Chapitos,” led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and “La Mayiza,” loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who was arrested in 2024.
- What recent changes have occurred in the leadership of the Ninth Military Zone? General Santos Gerardo Soto replaced General Porfirio Fuentes Vélez as the commander of the Ninth Military Zone following a ceremony on August 1st.
- What achievements have been reported in Sinaloa’s security efforts? Authorities have made significant progress, including apprehending suspects, seizing weapons and drugs, and dismantling clandestine labs. Additionally, there has been a reported decrease in intentional homicides and overall reduction in high-impact crimes.
