Thirteen suspected members of a drug cartel were killed on Monday during a fierce gun battle with security forces in Sinaloa, one of Mexico’s most volatile states, officials confirmed.
According to Security Secretary Omar Garcia Harfuch, the confrontation occurred in Guasave, a municipality in northwestern Sinaloa, when security operatives on patrol came under fire from armed men hiding beneath a bridge. Officers immediately returned fire, leading to an intense exchange.
Following the shootout, four suspects were arrested, while nine kidnapped individuals held by the gang were rescued. Authorities also confiscated seven vehicles, several high-powered firearms, and tactical gear from the scene.
Sinaloa has been plagued by violent clashes for over a year due to an ongoing power struggle among rival factions of a notorious local drug cartel. The internal conflict has claimed more than 1,700 lives — including 57 minors — and left nearly 2,000 people missing.
The deadly infighting reportedly began after the capture of the cartel’s longtime leader, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who was handed over to U.S. authorities in July 2024 by a son of his former ally, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán.
