Additional Coverage:
- 19 suspected cartel members killed in shootout with troops (newsbreak.com)
Sinaloa Cartel Clash Leaves 19 Dead
Mexican authorities engaged in a deadly clash with suspected Sinaloa cartel members in the northwestern state of Sinaloa. According to the defense ministry, 19 cartel members were killed in the firefight.
The violence erupted when over 30 cartel members attacked military personnel near the state capital, Culiacan. The clash stemmed from a surge in violence since the arrest of cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States.
Zambada’s arrest sparked a power struggle between his relatives and the sons of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who co-founded the cartel. The deceased cartel members are believed to be affiliated with Zambada’s faction.
Zambada, 76, was detained in the U.S. with “El Chapo’s” son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez. Zambada has accused Lopez of kidnapping him.
According to U.S. Justice Department indictments, the “Chapitos” and their associates have allegedly engaged in horrific torture methods, including using corkscrews, electrocution, and hot peppers on their rivals. Some victims were reportedly fed to tigers.
“El Chapo” is currently serving a life sentence in a Colorado prison after being convicted of drug trafficking and other offenses.
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- 19 suspected cartel members killed in shootout with troops (newsbreak.com)