Federal Authorities Double Down on Security in Sinaloa Amid Cartel Violence

In the wake of escalating violence across Sinaloa, Mexico’s federal security cabinet convened in Culiacán on Tuesday, marking a critical step in a renewed push to restore order in a region besieged by cartel warfare. The visit followed the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, and came amidst a bloody power struggle between rival factions that has plunged the state into chaos.

Led by General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, head of the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena), and Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security, the high-profile meeting with Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya resulted in a series of measures aimed at quelling the violence. Held in the Ninth Military Zone, the talks culminated in an agreement to significantly bolster the presence of federal forces, including elite units of the Army and additional members of the National Guard, with a focus on intelligence-driven operations.

"The presence of the National Guard will be increased, particularly around schools, to provide peace of mind for parents and students," Governor Rocha Moya told reporters following the meeting. The deployment of federal forces underscores the gravity of the situation, as cartel violence has left over 150 dead and hundreds missing since early September.

The Sinaloa region, historically associated with the powerful cartel that bears its name, has been engulfed in violence since the split between two key factions of the organization: Los Chapitos, led by the sons of imprisoned cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, and Los Mayitos, the remnants loyal to Zambada. The conflict, which began on September 9, has raged across several municipalities, including Culiacán, Mazatlán, and Elota, with bloody clashes spilling into smaller communities.

The factions are battling for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes and local criminal enterprises, with devastating effects on the local population. Official figures indicate that more than 150 people have been killed and 160 have been reported missing since the conflict erupted.

Federal Intervention

Tuesday's meeting between Governor Rocha Moya and top military and security officials comes just days after President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled her national security strategy, a comprehensive plan built on four pillars: addressing the root causes of violence, consolidating the National Guard, leveraging intelligence against organized crime, and enhancing coordination between local and federal authorities.

In Culiacán, the emphasis on intelligence was clear. According to Rocha Moya, the focus will be on dismantling the criminal networks from within by attacking their strategic points and limiting their operational capabilities. The governor also emphasized the need for counterintelligence efforts, conducted in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR), to neutralize the various cells operating in the region.

The plan includes the formation of multidisciplinary teams comprising analysts and investigators from both the federal and state levels. These specialized units will target the financial and logistical infrastructure of the cartels, a move designed to cripple their ability to conduct large-scale operations.

Following the meeting, Rocha Moya confirmed that reinforcements from both the Army and National Guard would be arriving in the coming days, with their presence concentrated in high-crime areas. The governor stressed that the additional forces would not only engage in combat operations but would also be deployed to safeguard critical civilian infrastructure, including schools and public events.

"Ensuring the safety of our citizens is the top priority," Rocha Moya stated, noting that upcoming cultural and sporting events in Culiacán would be heavily monitored by federal forces. The governor also expressed confidence that these efforts would foster a safer environment for the local economy, particularly for businesses and workers affected by the violence.

The governor’s comments were echoed by General Trevilla, who confirmed that the military would increase its troop presence across the state. "Our objective is to stabilize the region by striking at the heart of criminal organizations," Trevilla said, indicating that operations would target areas where cartel violence has been most severe.

A Long Road Ahead

Despite these renewed efforts, the scale of the challenge is daunting. The conflict between Los Chapitos and Los Mayitos has not only left a trail of death and destruction but has also instilled fear and uncertainty among the local populace. The violence has disrupted daily life, forcing schools to close and businesses to shutter. Public trust in law enforcement has been eroded by years of cartel influence, and the arrival of additional federal forces is seen as a necessary—if insufficient—measure to restore order.

Tuesday’s meeting was not the first instance of federal intervention in Sinaloa’s long-running drug war, and it is unlikely to be the last. According to sources close to the federal government, President Sheinbaum has instructed General Trevilla and García Harfuch to maintain a sustained presence in the state, with regular evaluations of the security strategy.

Earlier in the day, García Harfuch and General Trevilla were seen walking through Culiacán's streets, near the Las Quintas neighborhood, a hotspot of cartel activity. Their visit, captured by local media, was a symbolic gesture underscoring the federal government’s commitment to the region. Hours later, they were whisked away in a military helicopter, leaving residents to ponder the future of a city caught in the crossfire of cartel violence.

The federal government has pledged its full support to the Sinaloa state administration, with a commitment to closely monitor the evolving situation. "This is not a one-time intervention," Rocha Moya said. "We will have periodic meetings to review our progress and make adjustments as needed."

The violence that has engulfed Culiacán and surrounding areas is emblematic of the broader struggle that Mexico faces in its fight against organized crime. While the government’s strategy is rooted in strengthening institutions and cutting off the financial lifelines of criminal organizations, the path to peace remains uncertain. For the people of Sinaloa, the question remains whether these latest efforts will be enough to break the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for decades.

As federal forces prepare to ramp up their presence in Sinaloa, the eyes of the nation are once again fixed on Culiacán. The hope is that this time, a coordinated effort between local and federal authorities will lead to lasting security in one of Mexico’s most volatile regions.