Dozens of Minors Killed Amid Sinaloa Cartel Infighting in Northwestern Mexico
At least 39 minors have been killed during months of intense fighting between rival factions of the Sinaloa drug cartel in northwestern Mexico, according to the Sinaloa Human Rights Commission.
The violence, which has also resulted in the disappearance of nearly 100 minors, underscores the devastating toll of organized crime on the region’s most vulnerable population.
The bloodshed is reportedly linked to an internal power struggle within the Sinaloa cartel, one of the world’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.
Tensions have escalated since the capture of a cartel co-founder last July, leading to violent clashes as rival factions vie for control over lucrative drug routes.
Cities like Culiacán, the cartel’s stronghold, have become epicenters of fear and instability, with daily life severely disrupted by the ongoing violence.
Residents in affected areas are increasingly avoiding public spaces, fearful of becoming unintended casualties of the cartel conflict.
The impact on children has been particularly severe. In January, the killing of two young brothers during an attempted carjacking in Culiacán sparked widespread outrage, prompting thousands to take to the streets in protest.
Mothers, children in school uniforms, and community leaders marched through the city, demanding an end to the violence and greater accountability from the government.
The Sinaloa Human Rights Commission has called for immediate action to protect children in the region, emphasizing the need for both federal and local authorities to address the root causes of the violence and provide support for affected families.
Despite ongoing efforts by the Mexican government, including the deployment of the National Guard and the arrest of key cartel figures, the violence shows little sign of abating.
The persistent instability has led to mass displacements, civilian casualties, and widespread fear, prompting calls for international intervention to restore order.
Human rights advocates are urging the government to implement comprehensive strategies to curb cartel violence, including better protection for children and families in conflict zones, improved law enforcement coordination, and long-term economic support for affected communities.
As the crisis deepens, many families continue to search for their missing children, struggling to find answers in a landscape dominated by fear and lawlessness. The Sinaloa Human Rights Commission has pledged to continue its advocacy for the rights of these families, calling for a more robust government response to the growing humanitarian crisis.
