
Sinaloa cartel violence escalates to grave desecration as internal power struggle intensifies following El Mayo’s arrest.
At a Glance
- Bitter feud among Sinaloa Cartel families leads to shocking grave desecrations
- Conflict erupts between El Mayo Zambada and El Chapo Guzmán factions after Zambada’s arrest
- Elaborate tombs in Sinaloa, including Zambada family tomb, targeted in attacks
- Violence escalates with regular gunfights and public displays in Culiacán
- Cartel’s fragile alliance shatters, exposing deep-rooted power struggles
Sinaloa Cartel’s Internal Strife Turns to Grave Desecration
The arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada has sparked a shocking escalation in violence within the Sinaloa cartel, with rival factions resorting to the desecration of graves as a new tactic in their bitter feud. This internal conflict, primarily between the families of Zambada and JoaquÃn “El Chapo” Guzmán, has shattered the cartel’s fragile alliance and led to increased violence in the region.
In Sinaloa, where elaborate tombs often resemble small churches or apartments, at least two grave desecrations have occurred. One incident involved the removal of remains from a Zambada family tomb, signaling the depths to which this conflict has sunk. These acts of desecration indicate a deep enmity between El Chapo’s sons, known as “Los Chapitos,” and those suspected of cooperating with U.S. authorities against their father.
Escalating Violence and Its Impact
The internal strife has led to regular gunfights and public displays of violence in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state. This escalation not only threatens the safety of civilians but also undermines the cartel’s once-unified structure. The conflict has exposed the inherent instability and relentless power struggles that now characterize the Sinaloa cartel’s operations.
“Nothing can be solved by violence,” said El Mayo.
Despite El Mayo’s apparent call for peace, the violence continues unabated. The desecration of graves is not unprecedented in cartel conflicts, with past incidents involving other notorious figures like Arturo Beltrán Leyva. This tactic seems to be a deeply personal form of retribution, aimed at families suspected of betrayal or cooperation with authorities.
Legal Implications and Ongoing Investigations
Amidst the chaos, legal proceedings continue against various cartel members. JoaquÃn Guzmán López and his brother Ovidio are currently engaged in plea negotiations for multiple indictments related to drug trafficking. Meanwhile, El Mayo Zambada claims he was kidnapped and handed over to U.S. authorities by Guzmán López, adding another layer of complexity to the internal power struggle.
“The most sacred thing is life, we have to take care of it, protect it,” said Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
President López Obrador’s statement stands in stark contrast to the reality on the ground, where cartel violence continues to claim lives and desecrate the dead. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating cartel influence and protecting civilians.
Broader Implications of Cartel Violence
The conflict within the Sinaloa cartel has far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate violence. Dámaso López Nuñez and his son, former allies of El Chapo, have also been targeted, with their family mausoleum destroyed. This expansion of targets indicates a widening circle of retribution and a breakdown of former alliances within the cartel structure.
Additionally, the case of López Serrano, wanted by Mexican authorities for the murder of journalist Javier Valdez, underscores the dangers faced by those who report on cartel activities. Valdez, known for his coverage of crime, was killed in 2017, allegedly by López Serrano’s faction. This case highlights the ongoing issues of impunity in attacks against journalists in Mexico, a country notorious for being one of the most dangerous for media professionals.
As the violence continues to escalate and take on new, more personal forms, the future of the Sinaloa cartel and its impact on the region remains uncertain. The breakdown of internal alliances and the resort to tactics like grave desecration signal a new, more volatile phase in the ongoing drug war, with implications that extend far beyond the borders of Sinaloa.