Mexico Blames U.S. for Sinaloa Violence: Drug Cartel War Explained
In Mexico’s northwestern state of Sinaloa, violence has spiralled out of control, with over 100 people killed or missing. Daily life in Culiacan, the capital, has come to a halt. The Mexican military struggles to contain the chaos.

But, what sparked the violence?
The arrest of Ismael El Mayo Zambada, co-founder of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. El Mayo, a godfather figure in the underworld, evaded capture for 35 years with a $15 million bounty on his head.

His arrest by U.S. authorities in El Paso, Texas, has raised questions about the cartel’s future and who will seize control. This power vacuum has led to rival factions clashing, fighting for territory and dominance.

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador blames the U.S. for the violence in Sinaloa, while the US rejects this claim.

To learn more about Mexico’s cartel wars and the battle against narcotics smuggling.