Sinaloa state governor Ruben Rocha Moya said the clashes are tied to the arrest, stating, “The rivalry stems from the events of July 25.”

1. At least 15 people have been killed in escalating violence between rival factions of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, according to authorities on Friday, September 13.

The violence, concentrated in the state’s capital, Culiacan, has led to abductions, arson, and widespread panic, prompting the government to deploy additional security forces.

The unrest stems from an internal power struggle within the cartel, particularly following the July arrest of co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the U.S.

 Sinaloa state governor Ruben Rocha Moya said the clashes are tied to the arrest, stating, “The rivalry stems from the events of July 25.”

As security forces worked to contain the violence, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged the warring factions to avoid harming innocent civilians and expressed hope that normality would soon return.

The state prosecutor’s office reported 15 deaths and 20 suspected cases of forced disappearances, leading to the cancellation of Independence Day festivities.

 The violence has disrupted businesses and schools, with panic buying reported across the state.

“There will be no celebration, neither public nor private,” Governor Rocha Moya said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. issued a security alert, warning citizens to remain vigilant in Culiacan, where cartel-related unrest has intensified in recent years.

The Mexican government has been urged to address the situation swiftly to restore peace and provide support to affected families.