Gunmen fired a dozen shots at the headquarters of El Debate newspaper in Culiacan, Sinaloa, a state in northern Mexico known for its ongoing cartel violence. The attack left at least four bullet impacts on the building's walls and damaged vehicles parked outside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Mexican Media Alliance condemned the incident as a direct assault on press freedom and the public's right to information. The assailants, arriving in two vehicles, briefly stopped in front of the building. One gunman disembarked and fired shots before fleeing the scene.
Violence in Sinaloa escalated following the arrest of two prominent drug lords, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, in the United States. This led to factional fighting between Zambada's group and the “Chapitos” faction, led by the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Journalists have faced increased threats, with reports of gunmen restricting media coverage of the ongoing gun battles near Culiacan. The local community has turned to social media for updates on safety and security due to the intimidation tactics employed by warring cartels.
Online platforms have been flooded with videos depicting violent scenes, including burning vehicles and cartel activities. Despite the lack of official confirmation, the Sinaloa State University canceled in-person classes due to the escalating violence in the region.
The situation in Sinaloa has been likened to a war zone, with reports of armed confrontations and military involvement. The Red Cross was compelled to deny rumors of paramedics being kidnapped, emphasizing their neutrality in the conflict.
State authorities have faced challenges in maintaining law and order, with the resignation of the chief state prosecutor and the temporary disarmament of the municipal police force in Culiacan. President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the attack on El Debate and assured ongoing investigations into the matter.
