Cartel Attack on Funeral Procession

Gunmen from a cartel brazenly attacked a funeral procession while Mexican soldiers were present, but no action was taken to intervene. This incident occurred as the Sinaloa governor took a leave after facing criminal charges from the U.S. Department of Justice related to drug trafficking.

The shooting happened in Culiacan, Sinaloa state, which is currently marked by a brutal war between different factions of the Sinaloa cartel. Initial reports indicate that two assailants arrived in a sedan, exited their vehicle, and opened fire. The assault resulted in two deaths and three injuries. Afterward, the gunmen quickly drove away.

Witnesses reported that a military vehicle was alongside the procession during the attack, yet the soldiers inside did not intervene to stop it.

This violent episode comes amidst Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s assertions that crime rates have gone down. Many perceive this as an attempt to alleviate pressure from the U.S. government, which has been insisting that Mexico needs to take more decisive actions against the cartels, and even hinted at possible intervention.

Last month, as reported, the U.S. Department of Justice leveled charges against Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and nine of his associates, accusing them of collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel in exchange for bribes. This move sparked significant backlash in Mexico, particularly since Rocha Moya is linked to the ruling Morena party and has close ties to Sheinbaum’s political mentor, former President Andres Manuel López Obrador.