Cartel violence escalates as Sinaloa rivals desecrate graves in bitter feud following El Mayo’s capture.
At a Glance
- Sinaloa Cartel families engage in grave desecration as part of ongoing conflict
- Feud intensifies between Zambada and Guzmán factions after El Mayo’s arrest
- Elaborate tombs targeted, including those of Zambada family members
- Conflict shatters fragile alliance, leading to increased violence in Culiacán
- Grave desecration reflects deep-rooted vendetta within cartel ranks
Cartel Rivalry Turns to Grave Desecration
The arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a heavyweight in Mexico’s largest drug trafficking organization, has ignited a fierce battle within the Sinaloa Cartel. This internal conflict has taken a macabre turn as rival factions resort to desecrating the graves of their enemies. The bitter feud primarily involves the families of Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, with tensions reaching new heights following Zambada’s capture.
In Sinaloa, where cartel influence runs deep, elaborate tombs often resemble small churches or apartments. These structures, symbols of power and wealth, have become targets in the escalating conflict. At least two tomb desecrations have been reported, including one involving the Zambada family, where remains were allegedly removed from their resting place.
Los Chapitos vs. El Mayo’s Associates
The desecration of graves indicates a deep-seated enmity between El Chapo’s sons, known as “Los Chapitos,” and those perceived to have cooperated with U.S. authorities against their father. This grim tactic serves as a stark reminder of the cartel’s enduring vendetta and the lengths to which they will go to send a message.
“Nothing can be solved by violence,” said the now-incarcerated El Mayo.
The irony of El Mayo’s statement is not lost in the context of the current violence. Despite such sentiments, the conflict has shattered a fragile alliance between the Zambadas, Guzmáns, and other cartel factions, leading to increased bloodshed and public displays of violence in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state.
Legal Entanglements and Accusations
As the violence escalates on the streets, legal battles unfold in courtrooms. Joaquín Guzmán López and his brother Ovidio are currently engaged in plea negotiations for multiple indictments related to drug trafficking. Adding fuel to the fire, El Mayo Zambada claims he was kidnapped and handed over to U.S. authorities by Guzmán López, further complicating the already tangled web of cartel politics and betrayals.
Historical Context of Grave Desecration
While shocking, the desecration of graves is not unprecedented in the world of cartel violence. Past incidents have involved other notorious figures such as Arturo Beltrán Leyva. The family mausoleum of Dámaso López Nuñez and his son, former allies of El Chapo, has also been destroyed, underscoring the cyclical nature of vendettas within the cartel world.
“The most sacred thing is life, we have to take care of it, protect it,” said Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
President Obrador’s words ring hollow after such brazen acts of disrespect for the dead. The ongoing violence and grave desecrations highlight the challenges faced by Mexican authorities in curbing cartel influence and protecting citizens, both living and deceased.
Implications for Journalism and Justice
The cartel conflict has far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate violence. Dámaso López Serrano, a key figure in the ongoing feud, is not only accused of fentanyl trafficking but is also wanted by Mexican authorities for the murder of journalist Javier Valdez. Valdez, known for his courageous coverage of crime, was killed in 2017, allegedly by López Serrano’s faction.
Calls for López Serrano to stand trial in Mexico for Valdez’s murder highlight the ongoing issues of impunity in attacks against journalists. The case underscores the dangerous intersection of cartel violence and press freedom, a persistent challenge in regions dominated by drug trafficking organizations.
As the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal strife continues to unfold, the repercussions extend far beyond the immediate parties involved. The desecration of graves, escalating violence, and threats to journalism paint a grim picture of the ongoing challenges faced by Mexican society in the shadow of cartel influence.
