Over a Dozen Alleged Cartel Operatives Killed In Shootout With Police In Sinaloa

Over a dozen alleged cartel operatives have been killed during a shootout with police officers in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Four other suspects were arrested while nine people taken by the cell were released following the incident, according to the country's top security official, Omar Garcia Harfuch.

Garcia Harfuch detailed that gunmen attacked police officers who were on patrol, catalyzing the shootout.

Sinaloa has been grappling with cartel infighting, particularly since July 2024, when one of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's sons surrendered to U.S. authorities alongside Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

More than a year into the war in Sinaloa, thousands have been killed and thousands more remain missing. Despite heavy losses on both sides from killings and arrests by Mexican authorities, sources within La Mayiza told reporters in August that the faction currently holds the upper hand.

Heavy losses and La Mayiza's growing dominance have prompted a wave of defections from Los Chapitos.

A report by Milenio indicates that several operators linked to the faction have switched allegiances and joined La Mayiza, led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as "Mayito Flaco," son of El Mayo.

Federal sources cited by Milenio say betrayals within Los Chapitos have been increasing since May. These defections have become easier to track because of "narcomantas," banners cartels use to send public messages, and videos on social media highlighting individuals who abandoned the organization.

Betrayals during the war between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza have also involved members of the Guzmán family. One of the most notable cases is Aureliano Guzmán Loera, known as "El Guano," El Chapo's older brother, who joined La Mayiza and assembled a group of gunmen called the "El Guano Cartel" to fight against his nephews.