Internal war in the Sinaloa Cartel unleashes a wave of extreme violence

Sinaloa, Mexico, February 17, 2025. The Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world, faces a fierce internal struggle. Its two main factions, Los Chapitos, led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, and Los Mayos, under the command of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, have entered into a full-scale war for control of the cartel.

Since September 2024, violence has overflowed in Sinaloa and other states, leaving more than 800 dead and hundreds missing. Armed confrontations have turned Culiacán, Mazatlán, and rural communities into genuine battlefields, with blockades, coordinated attacks, and mass executions.

A relentless war for absolute power

The conflict intensified after the extradition of Ovidio Guzmán López in January 2023. With their leader out of the picture, Los Chapitos attempted to consolidate their dominance, but they encountered resistance from Los Mayos, who maintain a more discreet and traditional structure.

Los Chapitos have bet on fentanyl, highly profitable in the U.S., while Los Mayos control the trafficking of cocaine and marijuana, with strong alliances in South America. The dispute has escalated to unprecedented levels, generating an uncontrollable security crisis.

Culiacán and Mazatlán, cities under siege

Since late 2024, violence has paralyzed Sinaloa. The population has been trapped in a conflict that includes:

• Shootouts in commercial and tourist areas.
• Roadblocks with burning vehicles to halt military operations.
• Murders of police officers, journalists, and officials documenting the violence.

Social media is flooded with videos where hitmen display war arsenals, drones with explosives, and armored convoys. The insecurity has caused a massive exodus of families fleeing the state.

The government reacts late and without results

The federal government deployed thousands of elements of the National Guard and the Army, but their impact has been minimal. Security forces have been ambushed and outmatched by the operational capacity of organized crime.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted that "there will be no negotiation with criminals," but the facts show otherwise. Her security strategy follows the same line as her predecessor, with a policy of containment instead of frontal combat.

Analysts warn that the conflict could expand to Sonora, Baja California, and Durango, where the Sinaloa Cartel also has a strong presence.

The human cost: the population in the crossfire

Meanwhile, as the cartels fight for control of drug trafficking, the citizens pay the consequences. Closed businesses, schools without classes, and a paralyzed economy reflect the impact of organized crime.

"We can no longer go out on the street without fear. Shootouts can start at any moment, and no one protects us." - Merchant from Culiacán.

The government insists that the situation is under control, but the reality in Sinaloa shows otherwise. Violence continues to grow, and the State seems incapable of regaining control.