Mexico's defense ministry reported a shootout near Culiacán, the capital of Mexico's Sinaloa state, that led to the deaths of 19 suspected gang members and the arrest of a local cartel leader.
The violent confrontation occurred about 11 kilometers from Culiacán on Monday when more than 30 gunmen opened fire on Mexican soldiers. The military returned fire, causing some of the attackers to flee the scene.
One individual, identified as Edwin Antonio "N," believed to be a local leader of the Sinaloa Cartel faction controlled by Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, was arrested. A document obtained by Reuters from Mexico's national registry of detained persons confirmed the arrest of Edwin Antonio Rubio Lopez by military personnel.
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Authorities seized seven vehicles, nearly 30 firearms, including machine guns, and various military-style gear during the operation.
The state of Sinaloa has been experiencing a surge in violence, particularly since July, following the capture of Zambada, who was flown to the U.S. near El Paso, Texas, where he was taken into custody by U.S. officials. Zambada, in his 70s, reportedly claimed that a high-ranking member of Los Chapitos, a rival Sinaloa Cartel faction, kidnapped him and transported him to the U.S. against his will.
Analysts suggest the recent wave of violence in Sinaloa is likely due to an internal power struggle between the two cartel factions, with around 200 people killed and over 300 missing since September, according to official data.
