By Natalia Rueda 
Culiacán, Sinaloa – The city is facing its fifth day of narco-violence due to ongoing conflicts between criminal groups. This chaotic scenario has generated concern among many locals and critics, who point to the alleged negligence of city authorities and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO).
What began as clashes between rival organized crime groups has now turned into a full-fledged war, leaving the city paralyzed and its residents living in fear. Los Chapitos, led by the sons of infamous drug lord El Chapo, and La Mayiza, have resulted in a wave of violence that has engulfed the city.
Car burnings, shootings, murders and disappearances have become common occurrences. Classes have been suspended and many businesses remain closed as residents fear for their safety. Notably, the ‘Grito’ independence celebrations on September 15, a patriotic holiday, were cancelled.
¡¡No pasa nada!! Dice el gobierno. La prensa y las redes independientes dan cuenta de la violencia que tiene paralizada a #Culiacan y otras ciudades de #Sinaloa. En #CDMX los políticos hablan poco del tema. Estamos en una permanente crisis de seguridad y no se avizora un cambio… pic.twitter.com/WC4K1cAn5J
— Rubén Moreira (@rubenmoreiravdz) September 13, 2024
United States warns its citizens not to travel to Sinaloa
The situation in Culiacán has caught the attention of the world, with violence reaching such levels that the US government has issued a travel alert warning its citizens not to travel to Sinaloa.
As violence continues to escalate in Culiacán, questions are being raised about the government’s role in ensuring the safety of its citizens. The city’s residents feel helpless and vulnerable as their once peaceful home is torn apart by conflicts between powerful drug cartels. Culiacán’s future remains uncertain as violence shows no signs of abating.