**Two Soldiers Dead and Nine Injured in Sinaloa: Confirms SEDENA Amidst Clashes Between “Mayos” and “Chapitos”**
On September 17, 2024, the Mexican President confirmed the military’s sustained presence in Sinaloa, specifically in Culiacán de Rosales, amid ongoing violent confrontations between rival criminal factions. The clashes, which began on September 9, 2024, have resulted in significant casualties and escalated tensions.
During his morning press conference, the President assured the public that the government is prioritizing the safety of civilians and urged the media to report responsibly. He emphasized the importance of protecting the citizens and curbing violence between warring groups.
The President called for the media to avoid sensationalism when covering the volatile situation, highlighting the recent abduction and safe recovery of David Eduardo Martínez Meraz, the son of a local journalist, as a prime example of inaccurate and alarmist reporting.
SEDENA (Secretariat of National Defense) head, Luis Crescencio Sandoval González, provided further details on the conflicts. From September 9 to September 17, 29 confrontations have occurred, resulting in direct attacks on military personnel, with two soldiers killed and nine injured. Approximately 30 people have been detained, and 30 civilians, including 22 in Culiacán, have died in these engagements.
The violence is attributed to a power struggle within the Sinaloa cartel, specifically between factions led by “Los Chapitos” and “Los Mayos.” The rivalry intensified following the arrest of Ismael Mario Zambada García, known as “El Mayo,” in July 2024, reportedly orchestrated by Joaquín Guzmán López, “El Güero Moreno.”
In response to the escalating violence, SEDENA has deployed around 2,200 military and National Guard personnel, supported by various aircraft, to reinforce security and prevent further bloodshed. The military has also confiscated substantial amounts of weapons, vehicles, and narcotic substances during their operations.
The violence has disrupted daily life, leading the state’s Secretary of Public Education and Culture to briefly suspend in-person classes. Meanwhile, the Autonomous University of Sinaloa has decided to maintain virtual classes for students, teachers, and staff.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring safety in the region, alongside ongoing efforts to seize and neutralize key criminal players.
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**Additional News: More Details on Sinaloa Conflicts Surface**
As the government continues its crackdown on cartel violence in Sinaloa, new reports provide additional insight into the ongoing turmoil. According to local sources, the power vacuum created by “El Mayo’s” detention has led to increased criminal activity and territorial disputes among cartel factions.
The intensified military presence aims not only to safeguard civilians but also to dismantle operational capabilities of these factions. Intelligence efforts have reportedly identified several key targets, leading to strategic offensives designed to destabilize cartel operations.
Meanwhile, residents of Culiacán and surrounding areas remain on high alert, with many fearing further outbreaks of violence. Community leaders have called for greater transparency from authorities and more proactive measures to ensure public safety and return to normalcy.
The situation in Sinaloa underscores the broader challenge of cartel violence in Mexico, highlighting the intricate connections between illicit power structures and regional stability. As the government presses forward, the hope lies in a sustained effort to not only combat the immediate threats but also address the underlying issues fueling such conflicts.