Overview of the Incident
On Monday, local authorities in Sinaloa reported the discovery of 20 male bodies, five of which were decapitated, along a highway in the state. The gruesome find has shed light on the ongoing violence associated with internal disputes within factions of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel.
Details of the Discovery
- Four headless bodies were visible on the bridge, while the remaining 16, including one more decapitated body, were found inside an abandoned vehicle.
- The heads of the five decapitated individuals were located in a bag at the scene, according to the state prosecutor’s office.
- The highway connects Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa and a central hub for cartel conflicts, with other regions.
Context and Background
The Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most influential criminal organizations, has been embroiled in a violent power struggle between factions. This conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and around 1,400 disappearances according to official figures.
Two prominent leaders, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, are at the heart of this dispute. Guzmán’s sons, currently serving life sentences in the United States, have clashed with Zambada, another founding member of the cartel who is facing trial in a New York court.
The tensions escalated in July 2024 when Zambada was transported to the United States, where he was arrested by one of Guzmán’s sons on a private plane.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the conflict? The main parties are factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
- What triggered the recent escalation? The conflict intensified after Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada was transferred to the United States in July 2024 and subsequently arrested by one of Guzmán’s sons.
- What are the consequences of this violence? The ongoing dispute has resulted in more than 1,200 deaths and approximately 1,400 disappearances in Sinaloa.
