In Culiacán, Mexico, the arrest of Sinaloa cartel patriarch Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada has stirred fears of a violent power struggle within the cartel. Zambada, who co-founded the world’s largest fentanyl smuggling operation, was reportedly betrayed by Joaquín Guzmán López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. This act of treason led to the capture of both Zambada and Guzmán López by U.S. agents upon their arrival at a small airport near El Paso, Texas. The betrayal has escalated tensions, with members of the cartel’s main factions preparing for possible conflict between the Zambada and Guzmán families.

In response to the arrest, the Mexican government has deployed special forces to Culiacán to maintain order. Although the immediate threat appears contained, both cartel factions are reportedly mobilising gunmen and acquiring weapons, with the potential for a turf war looming. The “Chapitos,” as El Chapo’s sons are known, allegedly have an army of up to 5,000 gunmen at their disposal, while Zambada’s son, Ismael “Skinny” Zambada, may leverage alliances established by his father over his long criminal career. The situation remains tense as both sides brace for potential violence.

Source: Wall Street Journal