In recent weeks, the city of Culiacan in Mexico's northwest Sinaloa state has been plagued by violence and gunfights, prompting the Mexican army to seize the weapons of the local police force. Following the seizures, the approximately 1,000-strong police force was withdrawn from the streets by the state's governor, Ruben Rocha, who stated that they will not be reinstated until their weapons are returned.
Amidst this turmoil, around 1,500 residents of Culiacan took to the streets in a massive protest against the gang violence that has resulted in numerous deaths in recent weeks, demanding peace in the capital city.
To maintain law and order, soldiers, state police, and national guard units have been deployed to replace the local police while the army conducts checks on weaponry serial numbers and validates permits. Governor Rocha described these checks as 'exceptional' and expressed hope that these non-routine procedures will conclude soon.
Historically, the Mexican army has seized weapons from police forces suspected of collusion with cartels or possessing unregistered arms that could facilitate abuses. The recent violent clashes in the Sinaloa region were triggered by the apprehension of drug lords Ismael Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López in the U.S., leading to battles between rival cartel factions.
The escalating cartel violence has resulted in open gunfights across Culiacan, causing concerns among parents about the safety of sending their children to school. Governor Rocha emphasized that the authorities are committed to confronting both warring factions impartially.
Furthermore, cartel gunmen have resorted to hijacking buses and trucks, setting them ablaze to create highway blockades, disrupting transportation in and out of the city. Governor Rocha has pledged to establish five 'anti-blockade squads' to address this issue, acknowledging the challenges posed by the ongoing cartel conflicts.
