Thousands protest against cartel violence in Culiacán

Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, has experienced a sharp increase in violent incidents since a split emerged within the Sinaloa drug cartel, pitting two rival factions against each other. The internal feud, which began in early 2024, has escalated into frequent armed confrontations, resulting in a surge of homicides, shootings, and public disturbances that have overwhelmed local law‑enforcement resources and heightened security concerns across the city.

Authorities report that the number of violent episodes has more than doubled compared with the same period last year, with dozens of casualties and numerous injuries among both cartel members and civilians. Police and military units have intensified patrols, established checkpoints, and conducted targeted operations aimed at curbing the fighting, while municipal officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid affected neighborhoods. The ongoing clash underscores the broader instability caused by fragmentation within Mexico’s major drug trafficking organizations and is expected to shape security strategies in the region for the foreseeable future.