In the heart of Mexico's Sinaloa state lies Culiacan, a city of 1 million residents embroiled in a violent power struggle between factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel. For the past six months, residents have been living in fear as shootouts, carjackings, and kidnappings have become part of their daily lives.
The violence erupted following the arrest of key cartel leaders, leading to a breakdown of the unwritten agreement to spare innocent residents. More than 900 killings have been reported since September, with families facing the anguish of disappearances and violence on their doorsteps.
Residents, once accustomed to the cartel's dominance, now find themselves caught in the crossfire and living under self-imposed curfews. The situation has prompted a shift in how Mexican authorities are tackling the crisis, with increased security operations and arrests in Sinaloa.
Under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexico has ramped up efforts to combat the cartels, seizing large quantities of fentanyl and dismantling drug labs. The recent crackdown has weakened both cartel factions, but the battle is far from over.
In the midst of the chaos, schools like Socrates Elementary in Culiacan have become fortresses of safety, with students undergoing drills for shootouts and violence. Families grapple with the uncertainty of daily life, unsure if they will return home each day.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope that the current crisis could lead to a shift in attitudes towards the cartels. Citizens are beginning to overcome their fear and speak out against the violence, hoping to build a more peaceful future for Culiacan.
