Mexican Army Disarms Culiacan Police Amid Violent Cartel Clashes

Authorities pull local police off streets as Sinaloa cartel factions battle, prompting residents to demand peace and safety.

The Mexican army seized the firearms of Culiacan's 1,000-member municipal police force, pulling them from duty for inspection.
The move follows weeks of violent clashes between the 'Chapitos' and 'Mayitos' factions of the Sinaloa cartel, resulting in dozens of deaths.
Approximately 1,500 residents marched through Culiacan demanding peace and a return to in-class learning for children, who have been staying home due to the violence.
Governor Ruben Rocha has pledged to combat both cartel factions equally and has introduced anti-blockade squads to address the cartel's highway blockades.
The local cattle rancher's union leader, Faustino Hernández, was recently shot dead in broad daylight, further highlighting the city's security crisis.