### AMLO Urges Sinaloa Cartels to Cease Violence: “It’s Just Culiacán,” He Says
**By Carlos Álvarez Acevedo, September 13, 2024**
On September 13, 2024, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador called upon various factions of the Sinaloa Cartel to bring an end to ongoing confrontations. He assured the nation that he was confident they were listening to his plea. For five consecutive days, violence has plagued the region.
“Calm down, let’s think about the country, the people, the citizens… Why spread fear without reason? If there are problems, we are addressing them,” stated the President during his morning press conference held at the Treasury Hall of the National Palace.
Acknowledging the existence of conflicts in Sinaloa, López Obrador downplayed the severity reported by some media outlets. “There are a few confrontations, which is why the Armed Forces are mobilized to protect people and to avoid further escalation,” he explained.
He dismissed alarmist headlines, saying, “It’s important to clarify that reports of eight or twelve killings are exaggerated. Yes, events were prudently suspended, but it isn’t what it’s made out to be.” The President stressed that the situation was mainly confined to Culiacán.
López Obrador assured the residents of Culiacán that they were closely monitored and urged them to act with caution without succumbing to panic. “A vehicle fire can be sensationalized into breaking news. This is often the case, including incidents from other countries. It’s not a major issue so far, and we hope normalcy returns soon,” he emphasized.
He also mentioned a letter from Ismael Mario Zambada García, alias “El Mayo,” urging non-violence in his home state. When asked if there was a resolution in sight for the conflict among the narco groups, López Obrador confirmed there was. “With the presence of the Armed Forces, the aim is to prevent confrontation and protect the population. They should act responsibly, considering their families and communities,” he said, asserting that the President of Mexico is always heard, even by criminals.
On September 12, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, through its consulate in Hermosillo, Sonora, issued a warning to American citizens regarding the violence in Sinaloa and recommended avoiding travel to the state. Reports included car thefts, shootings, and roadblocks around Culiacán de Rosales. The embassy advised Americans in Sinaloa to remain vigilant and to follow local authority directives.
Early on September 13, 2024, a decapitated body was found in Culiacán, displaying signs of torture. The victim’s hands were bound, heightening concerns about the ongoing violence in the area.
### Secondary Article: Concerns Rise as Violence Escalates in Sinaloa
Additional reporting on the situation in Sinaloa reveals escalating violence that has prompted international concerns. The U.S. Embassy’s travel advisory and the decapitated body found in Culiacán illustrate the grave situation. The local populace remains on edge, with schools and public events being suspended.
The Sinaloa Cartel, notorious for its internal splits and power struggles, continues to be at the center of these violent outbreaks. The involvement of figures like “El Mayo” Zambada further complicates any efforts to stabilize the region.
President López Obrador’s calls for peace and responsibility among the narco factions highlight the Mexican government’s approach to resolving the conflict. However, the effectiveness of these appeals remains under scrutiny as Sinaloa’s streets grapple with violence and fear.
The Armed Forces are actively deployed to manage the situation, striving to protect citizens and de-escalate tensions. As international communities monitor the evolving scenario, the hope is that Sinaloa will soon see a return to peace and normalcy.