Battle of Culiacán: Mayo and Chapo CQB

Mexico is experiencing a more intense wave of Close Quarter Battles (CQB) between criminal factions and government officials in Culiacán. The recent arrest of Mayo Zambada in the United States in July sparked internal clashes between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Los Chapitos (son of El Chapo) and Los Mayos (supporters of El Mayo) have been fighting each other for the past four days to gain control of the criminal organization. The use of armored vehicles and also heavy weapons has put the city in a state of siege. (Source) (Source)

Culiacán officials have urged the population to remain calm amid the narco-violence. However, the current conflict sets the stage for a new chapter in the drug war as the Mexican government and the Sinaloa cartel deploy heavier weapons and vast resources.

Main judgment 1. There is a real chance that Mayo Zambada’s followers will take over power within the Sinaloa cartel from the sons of El Chapo Guzmán.

Main judgment 2. The Mexican government will likely use the conflict to combat the drug cartels with military means and thus regain its legitimacy as an enforcer of law and order.

Main judgment 3. There is a real chance that the conflict between El Mayo and El Chapo in Sinaloa will spread to California.