Mexico drug violence: BBC reports from Sinaloa city turned into war zone by cartel feud
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Mexican city Culiacán has become a battleground as rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel fight for control, resulting in an alarming surge in violence. The BBC reported on the dire situation, highlighting how the removal of key cartel leaders has created a power vacuum, fueling deadly feuds and leaving residents living in constant fear. Paramedics in the area have seen a dramatic increase in their workload, with calls rising by over 70% in the past year. Many incidents they respond to end in death, as few cartel victims survive.
The Sinaloa cartel, once a unified group, has fractured after internal betrayals and the capture of high-profile figures like Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, who is now imprisoned in the U.S. This fragmentation has led to relentless violence, with schools, hospitals, and even funerals being targeted. The city's streets are now eerily quiet at night due to the fear gripping residents, while paramedics risk their lives daily, often wearing body armor to protect themselves from potential attacks.
The conflict has drawn international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump labeling the cartel a terrorist organization and threatening military action if Mexico fails to control the drug trade. The Sinaloa cartel's role in producing fentanyl, which has contributed to the opioid crisis in the U.S., underscores the global stakes of this violence. As Mexican authorities deploy troops to Sinaloa, the situation remains tense, with checkpoints and ongoing searches for kidnapped victims.
This escalating violence highlights the instability caused by the fragmentation of organized crime groups and the challenges faced by governments in addressing such crises. The situation in Culiacán serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of drug cartels on both local communities and global security.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026