Eleven suspected criminals were killed Thursday, March 19, 2026, during a Mexican Navy operation in the state of Sinaloa, a region synonymous with drug trafficking and currently embroiled in a violent territorial dispute. The operation, which included the brief detention and subsequent release of a daughter of imprisoned Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, underscores the ongoing struggle for control within one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.
Authorities reported that the military deployment took place across several municipalities in Sinaloa and included intervention at a property believed to be connected to a cell known as “Los Mayos.” Following this, naval personnel located another property used by members of the same faction – currently battling a rival group led by the sons of Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán – resulting in a shootout.
Preliminary reports indicate that 11 suspected criminals died in the ensuing confrontation. High-caliber firearms were recovered at the scene. One member of the “Mayo” Zambada faction was also arrested during the operation. The Security Cabinet stated that a security presence remains in the area and the operation is ongoing, with the goal of protecting the local population.
Hundreds Dead Since 2024
Local media reports identify the detained individual as Mónica Zambada, daughter of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. U.S. Authorities previously included her in accusations related to alleged money laundering schemes in 2007, and she was sanctioned by Washington in 2019 before later being removed from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control list.
Sinaloa, and its capital, Culiacán, has been gripped by intense internal conflict within the Sinaloa Cartel since late 2024. This escalation followed the arrest of “El Mayo” Zambada in July 2024, after he was turned over to U.S. Authorities by Joaquín Guzmán López, one of “Chapo” Guzmán’s sons and a leader of the “Los Chapitos” group. The U.S. Government declared the Sinaloa Cartel a terrorist group last year.
According to figures from the State Council for Public Security (CESP), the conflict between “Los Chapitos” and “Los Mayos” has resulted in more than 1,800 deaths and over 2,400 forced disappearances in Sinaloa since September 9, 2024. The escalating violence highlights the challenges facing Mexican authorities as they attempt to dismantle powerful drug cartels and restore security to the region.
DZC (EFE, AFP)
