Sinaloa Shootout: 19 Dead, Cartel Leader Caught

In the heart of Mexico's Sinaloa state, a fierce gun battle erupted, leaving 19 suspected cartel members dead and one local cartel leader arrested. The clash happened just outside Culiacan, the state's capital, when over 30 armed gunmen opened fire on soldiers. Authorities responded, leading some of the attackers to flee. The arrested leader was Edwin Antonio, a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel faction led by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. This violent altercation is part of a broader pattern of intra-cartel conflict that has escalated since the arrest of Zambada in late July. He was taken into custody by U. S. officials after being flown to Texas, with Zambada alleging he was kidnapped by a senior member of the Los Chapitos faction.Sinaloa has witnessed a surge in gang-related violence, with over 200 deaths and more than 300 missing persons reported since early September. The seized weapons and gear from the shootout included seven vehicles, nearly 30 firearms, ammunition, and military-style vests and helmets. This ongoing turmoil highlights the fierce power struggles within the Sinaloa Cartel, painting a grim picture of the consequences of such internal strife.