### Ongoing Violence in Sinaloa: Governor Warns of Continued Armed Attacks
On September 11, 2024, Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, head of the Public Security Secretariat (SSP) of Sinaloa, reported a blockade on the Mazatlán-Culiacán highway near Jacoba in Elota municipality and an incident of violence in Quilá. Additionally, there were reports of other violent acts occurring north of Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacán.
The SSP responded to these criminal activities in Culiacán de Rosales in collaboration with various levels of government. Shots were reported in the 16th of September neighborhood, resulting in the discovery of a homicide unrelated to ongoing confrontations. Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who has held office since November 2021, acknowledged on his social media account that similar armed group events might continue.
“I want to inform the public that we must responsibly recognize that these events may continue to occur. These confrontations are between two criminal groups. The authorities are focused on controlling these hotspots,” Rocha Moya stated.
The governor also recounted recent violent incidents in Culiacán de Rosales, Elota, and Cosalá throughout the week. The Federal Government has bolstered security with four armed aircraft, helicopters, and 100 Special Forces personnel to help ensure safety in Sinaloa. He reassured that officials are prepared to handle any reported violence.
On September 10, local authorities warned about multiple shootouts south of Culiacán de Rosales, near a gas station and along the International Highway México 15. Reports indicated that two fatalities were found with gunshot wounds in Santa Fe, north of Culiacán de Rosales, and there were allegations of car thefts in residential areas.
Additionally, blockades were on the International Highway México 15 Libre near El Carrizal, after armed men set a cargo and a passenger truck on fire, prompting local authorities to advise motorists to take precautions.
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador speculated that these confrontations might be linked to the purported kidnapping of Ismael Mario Zambada García, aka “El Mayo,” by Joaquín Guzmán López, aka “El Güero Moreno.” Despite these conflicts over regional control with the faction led by “Los Chapitos,” the president emphasized calls for non-violence and noted that neither the SSPC nor the Armed Forces reported ongoing encounters in Sinaloa.
During a press conference, López Obrador expressed hope that the violence was transitory and pointed to reports of regained calm in the region. He rejected suggestions of a fracture within the Sinaloa Cartel and called for responsible conduct from all involved.
Local education authorities and institutions suspended classes in affected areas, and efforts to restore order involved coordinated operations with Federal, State, and Municipal forces. Despite the violent backdrop, Culiacán International Airport maintained normal operations.
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### Additional Update: Sinaloa’s Recent Violent Events
Sinaloa’s capital, Culiacán, has been a hotspot of violence recently with multiple incidents causing disruption and fear among residents. From September 9, firefights between armed civilians erupted in the city, leading to the suspension of school activities in various areas.
Security operations continued with mixed success, as authorities seized vehicles and detained several suspects, although these actions were not without loss. Two military personnel were injured in skirmishes, with one succumbing to injuries in a hospital later.
President López Obrador addressed these incidents, emphasizing the non-repressive stance of his administration while ensuring the safety and protection of citizens. He pointed out the significant role of the Armed Forces in maintaining order and providing aid across different scenarios.
Amidst the chaos, the local airport remained operational, providing some sense of normalcy to the frightened populace. Security measures and communication channels were reinforced to inform and protect civilians, as the government’s coordinated efforts continued focusing on quelling the violence and restoring peace.
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