The capture and extradition of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in late July was hailed as a major strike against fentanyl trafficking in the U.S. However, the move has led to more violence, sparking an all-out war in the region as two ensuing factions fight for control.
The region has experienced a significant rise in homicides, with around 400 deaths reported over the past two months—a 400% increase compared to the same period last year. Culiacan, the state capital, has become especially dangerous at night, with residents staying indoors as armed groups set up roadblocks and engage in shootouts, The Washington Post detailed in a deep-dive piece.
