CULIACAN, Mexico, Sept 22, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Mexican media reported 10 new
deaths on Saturday in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, where rival cartel
factions have been in open conflict with each other and authorities in recent
days.

The uptick in violence comes after the surprise arrest on US soil of Sinaloa
Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in late July, which is believed to
have unleashed an internal power struggle within the group.

Around 70 people have been killed in the state since September 9, mostly in
the capital city Culiacan, according to official and press tallies.

Three incidents occurred on Saturday in the central Tres Rios area of
Culiacan.

The first was a shootout between police and alleged hitmen, after which
unknown individuals blockaded a road with cars and motorcycles about 200
meters (650 feet) from the prosecutor's office.

Separately, security agents were attacked by gunmen who then fled into an
apartment building. An ensuing shootout left three alleged criminals dead,
one arrested and two soldiers injured, Governor Ruben Rocha Moya wrote on X.

"The security forces managed to evacuate six adults and a minor from the
property where the aggressors were taking refuge," said Rocha, who traveled
on Saturday to Mexico City to meet with president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum.

The federal government also sent 600 soldiers on Saturday to reinforce
security in Sinaloa.

Local media also reported seven other deaths. The bodies of five people were
left in the street, half-naked and wearing hats, in what is presumed to be a
message of intimidation between the warring factions.

Authorities have yet to comment on the deaths.

Zambada, 76, was arrested on July 25 after flying across the US border. He
claims he was kidnapped in Mexico and delivered into US custody against his
will.

He was detained along with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of Sinaloa Cartel co-
founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is serving a life sentence in the
United States.

The wave of violence is believed to pit gang members loyal to El Chapo and
his sons against others aligned with Zambada.

He pleaded not guilty to a raft of charges during a recent court appearance
in New York.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who leaves office at the end of the
month, has placed partial blame on the United States, saying it unilaterally
planned Zambada's capture.

The claim was rejected by US ambassador Ken Salazar on Friday.