Tensions in Sinaloa are escalating as factions of the Sinaloa cartel intensify their clashes following the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in late July.
The situation seems to be deteriorating, with recent clashes between factions answering to the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and "El Mayo." In fact, Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya said violence could further intensify.
A recent report claimed that the former group, known as the "Chapitos," has declared war on the "Mayiza," now led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, son of the Sinaloa Cartel co-founder after his capture in Texas.
The latest flareup took place this week, when two people were killed during a series of clashes that also led to the suspension of classes and public transportation in the area.
Specialized journalist Anabel Hernández said in her podcast Narcosistema that the clashes are a result of the Chapitos entering Mayiza turf. "The information I got is that the Chapitos wanted to invade on September 9 with the knowledge that they're stronger, that they have more armed people."
"They wanted to invade territories historically controlled by the Zambadas, such as Costa Rica, El Salado and other areas in the region," she added.
A series of audios reported by local press allegedly confirmed that Ismael Zambada Sicairos has given the green light to move on the "Chapitos" in the area. A voice in the audios adds that the local government is "on their side" and clarified that they are targeting the opposing cartel faction and not the government. "We won't fight the government, they're on our side," the voice says.
The decision could also have to do with Zambada's belief that he was ambushed by Joaquín Guzmán López, son of "El Chapo" and leader of the "Chapitos."
Analysts have speculated about the possibility that Guzmán López took "El Mayo" to U.S. authorities in hopes of getting a better deal for himself, as he was considering turning himself in.
His faction, now allegedly led by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, another son of "El Chapo," has been involved in a power struggle with other groups vying for cartel control, especially the "Mayiza."
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) said it's "highly likely" that increased violence in the state of Sinaloa is linked to the recent capture of Zambada.
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