(NewsNation) — A narcotics war has broken out in northwest Mexico between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel, and now officials are warning that the violence spill across the border into California, Texas and Arizona.
According to Mexican authorities in the state of Sinaloa, five days of intense violence between the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and a faction loyal to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada have resulted in 12 confirmed deaths, 20 possible abductions and 11 people injured. However, local reports suggest the death toll could be much higher.
Officials attribute the violence to internal conflict within the Sinaloa cartel following the arrest of Zambada, the cartel’s co-founder. He was extradited to the U.S. in July and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, murder plots and torture charges last Friday.
Zambada claimed he was kidnapped by Joaquin Guzmán Lopez, Guzmán’s son, before being flown to the U.S. in a private jet. Zambada’s lawyer has stated he is not considering a plea deal with U.S. authorities, and his case is expected to go to trial.
The current violence is believed to stem from a power struggle between “Los Chapitos,” led by El Chapo’s sons, and Zambada’s faction, both vying for control of the cartel. Authorities have reported widespread shootings, kidnappings and road blockages with 20 missing persons reports filed by relatives.
Due to the escalating situation, local leaders have closed schools and canceled Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Mexican authorities have already deployed 600 special forces soldiers to Sinaloa.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised to monitor the situation closely and will deploy additional military forces if needed.