Sinaloa cartel unleashes chaos after leader’s arrest (VIDEOS)

At least six people have been killed and many more injured amid the violent unrest, according to Mexican officials

The arrest of a notorious Mexican cartel boss has sparked mayhem in the western state of Sinaloa, with heavily armed criminal gangs engaging in firefights with the military as burning cars litter the streets of Culiacan. Civil unrest, looting, and even a prison riot have also erupted in the city, which now resembles a warzone.

The capture of Ovidio ‘El Raton’ Guzman-Lopez in a military raid on Thursday morning triggered clashes with the security forces, plunging the city of Culiacan – home to the Sinaloa drug cartel – into chaos. 

The governor of Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha Moya, has reported at least six deaths in the fighting so far, as well as 29 people wounded, including eight civilians and 21 police officers. He has urged citizens to shelter in place.

READ MORE: Army battles cartels for El Chapo’s heir

Dramatic footage purporting to show the turmoil has circulated online, with one cartel militant seen firing what appears to be a Barrett .50 caliber rifle at government aircraft overhead. Mexican officials have said the Barrett is a favorite among criminal groups, given its ability to pierce body armor, concrete walls, and even armored military vehicles.

Sinaloa cartel members trying to take down Mexican Air Force planes that where providing cover for the apparent extraction of Oviedo Guzman Loera from Sinaloa after his arrest this morning pic.twitter.com/CZD6JB0qNk

— Ed's Manifesto (@eds_manifesto) January 5, 2023

Aeronaves de la Fuerza Aérea sobrevuelan la Ciudad de Culiacan en Sinaloa pic.twitter.com/OFdCF24dQA

— México Aeroespacial y Defensa (@maeroespacial) January 5, 2023

Videos also show a large number of torched cars parked near cartel ‘narco blockades’ around Culiacan, as well as the charred remains of a public transit bus. According to Governor Moya, around 250 vehicles have been reported stolen in the city.

Burning cars and narco blockades reported in Culiacan, capital of Sinaloa.

State public security chief @Mtro_CCastaneda urges residents to stay in their homes. https://t.co/dow3UrdpwV

— Ioan Grillo (@ioangrillo) January 5, 2023

Chaos rages in Culiacán, Mexico, following the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, El Chapo’s son, early Thursday morning. This comes as President Biden is scheduled to visit Mexico this Monday. Take a look:pic.twitter.com/FVi9UZdeaw

— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) January 5, 2023

Heavy gunfire could be heard in some clips, with civilians seen ducking for cover on a roadway as the sounds of combat ring out in the distance.