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Since the cartel leaders were arrested in September, Culiacan has been filled with violence. Hundreds have died, and the city is living in fear of the fighting.

Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa in Mexico, has been rocked by violence following the arrest of key cartel leaders. Since September, hundreds of people have died, and many more are missing. The once-bustling city has turned into a place of fear and uncertainty.

Culiacan is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture. However, today, the streets are eerily quiet. Businesses that were thriving just months ago are now closing down. Restaurants, like Clan Taniyama, which used to be packed every night, are now empty. "Life in Culiacan has almost disappeared," says Miguel Taniyama, the owner of the restaurant.

The violence began in September, after news spread that two groups within the Sinaloa Cartel were at war. This infighting followed the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a key figure in the cartel, in the U.S. on July 25. Zambada had allegedly been kidnapped in Mexico and handed over to U.S. authorities. His arrest set off a deadly feud between the "Mayos" and "Chapitos" factions of the cartel.

The war between these factions has caused chaos across Culiacan. Shootouts, kidnappings, and brutal killings have become a weekly occurrence. Bodies are often left in public places, some with strange symbols, like pizza boxes or sombreros, marking them as victims of the cartel war. In one tragic incident, five bodies were found outside a university, causing classes to shift to remote learning.

Local authorities have reported that more than 400 people have died since September, with some estimates reaching 519. The violence is not just in the streets—it has also caused significant economic damage. Many businesses have shut down, and over 30,000 people have lost their jobs in Culiacan, which is about a third of the city's workforce.

The city's once-bustling entertainment district is now a shadow of its former self. Nail salons, pastry shops, and other businesses have "for sale" signs in their windows. People are scared to leave their homes. Some companies have even asked employees to work from home, like during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Sinaloa Cartel, one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in the world, has long been involved in the illegal drug trade, particularly with opioids like fentanyl. The cartel's control over Culiacan has been strong, and this recent violence shows just how deeply it has affected the city. The cartel's reach was demonstrated in 2019, when a major operation to arrest another of "El Chapo's" sons, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was forced to retreat after the cartel launched a violent attack on the city.

To curb the violence, the Mexican government has sent over 11,000 soldiers to patrol the city, but the bloodshed continues. In one of the most intense clashes, 19 cartel members were killed in October. Despite these efforts, the violence shows no signs of stopping.

The city's residents are desperate for peace. Many of them have been living in fear, unable to go about their daily lives. Some, like Taniyama, have tried to bring the community together by organizing events to revive the city's spirit. A large festival was held in November, with music and food, but it was clear that the fear still lingers.

Sadly, for families of victims, there is no relief. Rosa Lidia Felix, a mother from Culiacan, has not heard from her son, Jose Tomas, since he disappeared on November 1. "Please, I want my son back," she cried.

The violence in Culiacan is a grim reminder of the ongoing drug wars in Mexico. It has left the city in ruins, and it is unclear when, or if, peace will return to this troubled region.

 

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