Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador partly blamed the U.S. for the recent surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa that left over 30 people dead within a week, saying Thursday the arrest of two top cartel figures helped trigger an increase in violence.
Rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have clashed in Sinaloa’s capital city of Culiacán—home to 808,416 people in the western Mexican state—since the arrest of two key leaders in the U.S. in late July. Armed groups have engaged in violent shootouts with each other and security forces.
Bodies have appeared across the city, with one found inside a car mechanic’s shop as police officers removed another victim from a side street.
Forensic investigators remove a body from the street in La Costerita, Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. The Mexican president is blameing the US for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges.
Forensic investigators remove a body from the street in La Costerita, Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. The Mexican president is blameing the US for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges.
Eduardo Verdugo/AP Photo
When asked during his morning news briefing whether the U.S. government was responsible for the violence, López Obrador responded, “Yes, of course … for having carried out this operation.” He referred to the July 25 arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a reclusive cartel figure. Guzmán López was arrested near El Paso, Texas, after allegedly kidnapping Zambada and forcing him across the border.
This conflict has worsened tensions in U.S.-Mexico relations. Last month, López Obrador announced a diplomatic “pause” with the U.S. and Canada after criticism of his judiciary overhaul.
Zambada’s arrest has escalated the power struggle within the cartel. On Thursday, military helicopters hovered over the northern part of Culiacán as traffic congestion and school closures created further disruption. Businesses closed early, and residents stayed inside after dark out of fear.
One mother, who requested anonymity, described how her daughter hadn’t attended school in weeks after armed men stopped their taxi. “Where is the security for our children, for ourselves too, for all citizens?” she asked. “It’s so dangerous here, you don’t want to go outside.”
Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his last State of the Union at the Zocalo, Mexico City’s main square, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. On Thursday, the Mexican leader said that the US was partially…
Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his last State of the Union at the Zocalo, Mexico City’s main square, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. On Thursday, the Mexican leader said that the US was partially to blame for violence eruption in Sinaloa.
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Felix Marquez/AP Photo
During his morning press conference, López Obrador criticized U.S. authorities for the operation that led to Zambada’s capture, calling it “totally illegal” and claiming that U.S. Justice Department agents had been waiting for him. “If we are now facing instability and clashes in Sinaloa, it is because they (the American government) made that decision,” he added, suggesting it undermined bilateral cooperation. Mexican prosecutors are reportedly considering treason charges against those involved in the plan.
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum echoed López Obrador’s stance, insisting, “We can never accept that there is no communication or collaboration.”
Despite the president’s “hugs not bullets” approach to curbing cartel violence, groups continue to employ advanced tactics. Though López Obrador urged warring factions in Sinaloa to act “responsibly,” the violence remains unchecked as his term nears its end.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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Publish date : 2024-09-20 08:49:00
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