Culiacán.—This Sunday, 14 days after the outbreak of violence in Sinaloa stemming from the conflict between The Chapitos and The Mayos, three homicides were reported, two of which occurred in districts of Culiacán and the third in the municipality of San Ignacio.
Additionally, the Attorney General’s Office reported that 13 investigation files were opened for the same number of violent murders that took place between Friday and Saturday in the municipalities of Culiacán, Badiraguato, Eldorado, and Navolato.
According to the prosecution, during those days, 12 complaints were filed by individuals who were deprived of their liberty and 13 for violent vehicle thefts.
Read also: In response to the violence in Sinaloa, Sedena has deployed 600 soldiers to bolster security
Regarding the three civilians killed by federal forces during a confrontation that occurred on Saturday in the Tres Ríos area, where an alleged criminal was apprehended and three soldiers were injured, it was reported that the investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic.
During these incidents, six adults and a minor were rescued from an apartment where civilians had taken refuge and continued to fight against the Army, state, and municipal police.
Unofficial sources indicated that the operation aimed to capture Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benitez, also known as La Perris or El 27, who is linked to the group associated with El Chapo Guzmán, but he managed to escape.
The confrontation lasted nearly three hours and involved the detonation of explosive devices, resulting in injuries to three Army members identified as Fernando Alexis “N”, Ernesto “N”, and José Arturo “N”, who were hospitalized.
According to information from official authorities, as of Saturday, there were 67 fatalities due to violence in the state.
Among the 13 deceased, five were found abandoned in front of a water park located at the southern exit of Culiacán, next to the Mexico-Nogales highway, where a similar number of victims were discovered on September 15, all of whom were also found with hats bearing the initials MZ.
Reports indicated that the new victims were young, none older than 35 years, with some leaning against the wall and others simply lying on the ground, exhibiting bullet wounds and signs of torture.
The State Public Security Secretariat reported that very close to this site, last Friday night, the bodies of two young men were found handcuffed behind their backs, identified as the brothers Kevin “N” and Peter “N”.
Additionally, on the side of the Benito Juárez highway bypass at the southern exit of the state capital, another body was discovered with hands handcuffed behind the back, showing signs of torture, bullet wounds, and lacking identification.
Moreover, a man’s body was found on a road leading from the Quila district, and in the Ejidal colony of Navolato, a young man who had not been identified was murdered by gunfire.
Read also: VIDEOS: This is how the clashes on Saturday, September 21, unfolded in Sinaloa
Luis Fernando Sandoval Velarde, son of the former mayor of San Ignacio, who shares the same name, has been missing since last Saturday afternoon when, according to reports, he was in the state capital.
His father, Luis Fernando Sandoval Morales, who served as municipal president of San Ignacio from 2016 to 2018, shared the young man’s details and photograph on social media, seeking assistance to discover his whereabouts.
In a brief message, the politician expressed his hope for his son’s safety and asked the public to share the message to aid in his location. He also provided a phone number to receive any information that could lead to finding his son.
Violence in Sinaloa: Recent Homicides and Ongoing Conflicts
Culiacán — The situation of violence in Sinaloa has escalated dramatically over the past two weeks due to the ongoing conflict between The Chapitos and The Mayos. On Sunday, three additional homicides were reported, with two occurring in different districts of Culiacán and the third in San Ignacio. This wave of violence has sparked significant concern and led to numerous investigations by the Attorney General’s Office.
Recent Homicide Statistics
Over the weekend, the Attorney General’s Office opened 13 investigation files concerning a series of violent murders that transpired between Friday and Saturday in multiple municipalities, including Culiacán, Badiraguato, Eldorado, and Navolato. In addition to those cases:
- 12 complaints were filed by individuals deprived of their liberty.
- 13 reports were made regarding violent vehicle stripping incidents.
Confrontation Involving Federal Forces
On Saturday, a significant confrontation occurred in the Tres Ríos area, resulting in the deaths of three civilians at the hands of federal forces. While an alleged criminal was apprehended, three soldiers sustained injuries during the altercation. The investigation is currently being handled by the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic.
Details of the Tres Ríos Incident
In the chaotic scene that unfolded, six adults and one minor were rescued from an apartment where they had sought refuge. These civilians had come under fire from elements of the Army, state, and municipal police forces. The operation was reportedly aimed at capturing Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benitez, known as “La Perris” or “El 27,” an individual associated with the children of El Chapo Guzmán. Despite the extensive efforts, he managed to evade capture.
The Rising Death Toll
According to official authorities, the violence in Sinaloa has resulted in 67 reported fatalities as of Saturday. Among the 13 recent victims, five bodies were found abandoned in front of a water park near the southern exit of Culiacán, adjacent to the Mexico-Nogales highway. These victims were similar in characteristics to five others discovered on September 15, showcasing a heinous pattern.
Victim Profiles and Discovery
Initial reports suggest that many of the new victims were young, under 35 years old, with some found leaning against walls and others dumped with clear signs of torture. Additionally:
- Two young men, identified as brothers Kevin “N” and Peter “N”, were found with their hands restrained behind their backs.
- Another unidentified body was discovered along the Benito Juárez highway bypass, similarly bound and showing torture marks.
- A man was also reported killed on a road leading from the Quila district, while a young man in Navolato was shot.
Further Investigation Required
The ongoing violence has not only led to fatalities but has also sparked questions about security measures in the region. As chaos continues, community members and officials are left grappling with the implications of gang warfare.
Missing Persons and Family Appeals
In light of the violence, the family of Luis Fernando Sandoval Velarde, son of the former mayor of San Ignacio, has reported him missing since Saturday. His father has taken to social media, imploring the public to help locate his son, highlighting the personal toll these events have on families.
Public Safety Initiatives
To combat the alarming situation, the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) has dispatched 600 soldiers to bolster security efforts in Sinaloa. These initiatives aim to stabilize the region plagued by cartel violence, but the effectiveness remains to be seen as rival factions continue to clash.
Impact on the Community
The current wave of violence not only threatens lives but also instills fear in the local populations of Sinaloa. Residents find themselves amidst ongoing gunfights while also dealing with the distressing reality of potential kidnappings, robberies, and other violent crimes.
Understanding the Root Causes of Violence
To effectively address Sinaloa’s spiraling violence, it’s crucial to consider the socio-economic factors contributing to this turmoil:
- Poverty and Lack of Opportunities: Many young residents resort to criminal activities due to limited job prospects.
- Drug Trade Dynamics: Sinaloa is a critical hub in the drug trafficking world, intensifying competition and violence among gangs.
- Corruption: Corruption within local law enforcement hampers effective violence prevention measures.
Community Responses and Resilience
Despite the instability, Sinaloa’s communities continue to demonstrate resilience. Local groups are banding together to offer support, share information, and promote awareness about safety precautions that can be taken to protect families and neighborhoods.
Practical Tips for Community Safety
- Stay informed: Join local social media groups to receive updates and warnings about violent incidents.
- Connect with neighbors: Building a network can enhance security and vigilance in the area.
- Support local initiatives: Engage with community leaders who are working toward restorative justice and crime prevention.
