Shootout in Mexico's Sinaloa state kills 19, local cartel leader arrested

23/10/2024 12:38

        A shootout near the capital of Mexico's Sinaloa state killed 19 suspected gang members, while one local cartel leader was arrested, Mexico's defense ministry said on Tuesday, as intra-cartel violence intensifies.
        
        The deadly altercation on Monday took place about 7 miles (11 km) outside the Sinaloa capital of Culiacan, when a group of more than 30 gunmen fired on soldiers, according to a statement from the ministry. It added that some of the suspected cartel gunmen fled the scene after federal agents returned fire.
        
        The detainee was identified as Edwin Antonio "N" - his last name withheld as is typical for those accused of crimes in Mexico - and described as a local leader of the Sinaloa Cartel faction led by its legendary co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
        
        A document dated Oct. 22 from Mexico's national registry of detained persons obtained by Reuters listed an Edwin Antonio Rubio Lopez apprehended by military personnel in Sinaloa.