Mexico – Ongoing clashes between rival factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel have led to the deaths of at least 39 minors in northwestern Mexico, according to the Sinaloa State Human Rights Commission.
The Commission’s president, Oscar Loza, revealed that nearly 100 children have also been reported missing since violence escalated after the arrest of a cartel co-founder in July 2024. He described the toll as a “deep and painful wound” that communities may never recover from.
Among the latest casualties were two girls, aged 7 and 12, who died in crossfire on Monday. A 12-year-old boy was also injured along with his family members during the same incident in Badiraguato – the hometown of notorious drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
Authorities believe the violence stems from internal cartel divisions between followers of El Chapo’s sons and allies of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Zambada previously claimed he was kidnapped by one of Guzman’s sons and flown to the U.S. against his will.
The infighting has claimed more than 1,200 lives, with over 1,400 people missing. Communities across Sinaloa, including the capital Culiacan, have been severely impacted, with businesses suffering and residents living in fear.
Since 2006, cartel-linked violence has contributed to an estimated 480,000 murders across Mexico.
AFP
