Culiacán, Sinaloa – A new confrontation between armed civilian groups has reignited violence in the southern region of Culiacán, leading to multiple road blockades and heightened tension in the area. The clashes, which are believed to have originated in the municipality of Quilá, have resulted in disruptions along major highways, including the Mazatlán-Culiacán highway and Mexico 15 International Highway, which leads toward the port.
The confrontation reportedly began when armed men gathered in the center of Quilá, close to the facilities of the Mexican Red Cross. As the gunmen sought to prevent reinforcements from both criminal factions and law enforcement, they blocked several roads and set fire to vehicles, effectively cutting off access to the area.
At least three agricultural workers traveling in a personnel transport bus were caught in the crossfire, sustaining bullet wounds. With the assistance of private citizens, they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. While the number of casualties remains unconfirmed, access to the affected areas is still restricted due to the blockades.
Authorities Struggle to Enter Conflict Zone
The Secretariat of Public Security has confirmed the confrontation, though more than an hour after the initial reports, authorities had yet to gain access to Quilá. The ongoing roadblocks and the violent presence of armed groups have hampered efforts to restore order and secure the region.
As of now, it remains unclear whether there have been additional injuries or fatalities resulting from the clash, as law enforcement continues to face difficulties in reaching the community.
Schools Suspended as Violence Continues in Culiacán
In the midst of the escalating violence, schools in Culiacán and its surrounding areas remain closed, despite official efforts to restore a semblance of normalcy. The Ministry of Public Education and Culture, alongside several universities, had called for students to return to their campuses on Wednesday, September 11, reassuring the public that local authorities had the situation under control. However, clashes and armed attacks persisted in various parts of the city, leading many educational institutions to defy the official mandate and continue offering remote learning.
During a tour of the city on Wednesday morning, some schools, including the Autonomous University of the West, were visibly open, though classrooms remained empty as students and staff opted to stay home. The decision to keep campuses closed was largely influenced by reports of gunfire in the northern parts of Culiacán and further confrontations in the southern regions, prompting safety concerns for students and faculty.
Governor Rocha: “We Are Capable of Suppressing Them”
In response to the ongoing violence, Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya addressed the public, affirming that a coordinated security protocol is in place to manage the situation. Rocha emphasized that all three levels of government are actively involved in the operation, which has allowed authorities to identify and respond to key areas of conflict.
“I want to tell the population that, being responsible, we have to admit that these events can continue to occur. They are targeted, yes, and since we know that they are confrontations between two criminal groups, there is already guidance on how to attack them, deal with them, by law enforcement,” Rocha said in his message.
The governor attributed the violence to ongoing clashes between rival criminal organizations but assured the public that law enforcement is prepared to restore security across the affected areas. He acknowledged that the violence may continue, but stressed that the authorities have been successful in containing outbreaks and will persist in their efforts to maintain order.
“We are therefore controlling these hotbeds of violence, these events, these incidents that you have become aware of. I admit that they could continue to occur, but I also tell you that we are capable of suppressing them as has happened until now. We are taking care of them; we have this operation that is giving us results and will continue to give us results,” Rocha concluded.
Uncertainty and Fear Grip the Community
The resurgence of violence in Culiacán has left residents on edge, with many choosing to stay indoors to avoid potential danger. The roadblocks and continued presence of armed groups have effectively paralyzed sections of the city, particularly in the southern regions, where much of the recent violence has occurred. Local businesses have been forced to close, and transportation services have been severely disrupted.
While the state government has implemented measures to curb the violence, the persistent clashes highlight the entrenched power of criminal organizations in the region and the ongoing challenges facing law enforcement as they attempt to regain control. As the situation unfolds, residents remain in a state of uncertainty, with many questioning when, and if, normalcy will return to their communities.
With roadblocks still in place and sporadic gunfire continuing, the violence in southern Culiacán serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted conflicts that plague parts of Mexico, as authorities strive to address the crisis while minimizing civilian casualties. For now, the region remains on high alert, as both the public and the government brace for what may come next.
