Watch: BBC on streets of Mexican city gripped by deadly cartel violence
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
BBC correspondent Quentin Sommerville reported from Culiacán, a city in northern Mexico's Sinaloa state, where violence has surged following the death of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." The cartel's power and influence have led to widespread bloodshed across 20 Mexican states after El Mencho was killed in a shootout. Culiacán, already reeling from the recent capture and extradition of its former leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, has become a battleground as factions fight for control.
The BBC team followed local paramedics Julio César Vega and Héctor Torres, who work tirelessly to respond to violent incidents. Both described the current wave of violence as unprecedented in severity and duration. The city's streets have turned into war zones, with frequent shootings and stabbings leaving victims graphic evidence of the cartel conflict.
This escalation highlights Mexico's ongoing struggle with organized crime, which has claimed countless lives and destabilized communities nationwide. The situation underscores the far-reaching impact of drug cartels on public safety and governance. As CJNG vies for dominance, the violence shows no signs of abating, raising concerns about its implications for global security and drug trafficking networks.
The crisis in Culiacán serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Mexico faces in curbing cartel power. The loss of key leaders like El Mencho and El Mayo has created power vacuums, leading to internal conflicts and increased bloodshed. This situation not only affects local residents but also has broader international consequences, particularly for countries impacted by drug trafficking and organized crime.
For readers interested in global security, the story sheds light on the complexities of cartel dynamics and their impact on regional stability. The violence in Culiacán is part of a larger trend across Mexico
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026