For nearly a year and a half, Sinaloa has endured an armed conflict between Sinaloa Cartel factions, resulting in hundreds of victims and severe economic fallout. Civilians are caught in the crossfire amid governmental shortcomings. Analysts urge recognizing it as a war to rethink security approaches.
Columnist René Delgado writes in El Financiero that Sinaloa, especially Culiacán and other areas, has been at war since September 2024. Two Sinaloa Cartel factions clash, overwhelming the Mexican state despite Armed Forces' efforts. Civilians are ensnared in the crossfire and hampered by the 'mismanagement' of Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, criticized for negligence.
The toll is severe: hundreds of intentional homicides in 2025 exceed 2024 figures, with rising disappearances, particularly in Culiacán and Mazatlán. Economic losses top 50 billion pesos from late 2024 to mid-2025, stalling investments and activities. Collective kidnappings lead to clandestine graves, entrenching insecurity.
Delgado argues that avoiding the 'war' label blocks strategy overhauls. He advocates addressing political fronts by reforming prosecutor's offices, police, and governments, and severing politics-crime ties. He cites attacks on Movimiento Ciudadano deputies Sergio Torres Félix and Elizabeth Rafaela Montoya Ojeda by the 'Los Chapitos' faction, met with insufficient party responses.
While praising President Claudia Sheinbaum's security policy shift, he stresses the war demands more than military actions or U.S. pressures. 'The war in Sinaloa demands recognizing it as such and acting with greater resolve,' Delgado writes, underscoring political failure in the state.
