Sinaloa violence after Zambada arrest
Introduction
The state of Sinaloa in Mexico has experienced a significant surge in violence following the arrest of a key cartel leader in July 2024. This escalation has led to widespread conflict, numerous casualties, and social disruption in the region.
Trigger for Violence
The current wave of violence was sparked by the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, on July 25, 2024. Zambada was apprehended alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the infamous “El Chapo” Guzmán, near El Paso, Texas. This arrest has led to a power struggle within the cartel, with two factions now vying for control.
Scale of Violence
The impact of this cartel infighting has been severe:
Over 400 people have been killed since September 2024.
More than 200 individuals have been reported missing.
At least 30,000 people have lost their jobs due to the instability.
Affected Areas
Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, has been particularly hard-hit
The historic center has become eerily quiet.
Businesses are closing or relocating, with many displaying “for sale” signs.
Daily life has been severely disrupted, with schools closing and people afraid to venture out.
Old Government Response
The Mexican government has taken steps to address the situation:
Approximately 11,000 soldiers have been deployed to Culiacán.
In October, the army reported killing 19 suspected cartel members and arresting a local leader.
Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador had publicly asked the warring factions to act “responsibly”.
New President Claudia Sheinbaum strategic plans
President Claudia Sheinbaum has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to combat cartel violence in Mexico, building upon and refining the approach of her predecessor. Her plan consists of several key components:
Intelligence and Investigation
Sheinbaum is emphasizing the importance of intelligence-gathering and investigative capabilities. This includes:
Creating an office to consolidate intelligence on gangs collected by the army, navy, and federal investigators.
Transforming available intelligence into actionable investigations.
Security Forces
The president is focusing on enhancing and professionalizing Mexico’s security forces:
Doubling down on the National Guard, established in 2019 by her predecessor.
Reshaping the National Guard to function more like a police agency, despite their lack of traditional police training.
Establishing a national security academy for law enforcement training.
Coordination and Deployment
Sheinbaum’s plan emphasizes improved coordination between different levels of government:
Increasing coordination between state and national authorities.
Strategically deploying troops to high-priority areas.
Targeted Approach
The president has identified specific high-crime areas for focused intervention:
Targeting six municipalities across five states as focal points: Tijuana, León, Celaya, Benito Juárez, Acapulco, and Colima.
Addressing seasonal crime waves, such as lime extortion in Michoacán.
Social Programs
Continuing the “hugs not bullets” philosophy of her predecessor, Sheinbaum is incorporating social programs into her security strategy:
Addressing root causes of crime by reducing poverty and inequality.
Providing opportunities to dissuade impoverished young people from joining organized crime.
International Cooperation
While not explicitly stated in her plan, analysts suggest that Sheinbaum may improve cooperation with the United States on security matters, based on her track record as mayor of Mexico City.
Conclusion
Despite these strategies, some analysts express concern that Sheinbaum’s approach may be too focused on quick fixes and reactive measures, potentially overlooking the need for long-term, comprehensive solutions to Mexico’s deeply entrenched cartel problem.
Cartel tactics have evolved to include the use of roadside bombs, trenches, and even bomb-dropping drones.
The social and economic fabric of Sinaloa continues to be strained, with businesses closing and residents living in fear.
