The Sinaloa Cartel is facing a seismic shift following the rapid disintegration of its Los Chapitos faction. Since mid-2024, internal war, betrayals, and arrests have decimated the leadership of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, leaving them vulnerable and isolated. This power vacuum has allowed the rival Mayo faction, led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, to seize control of Culiacán and other key territories, escalating crime and threatening to dissolve the traditional cartel structure across Mexico.
Story Highlights
- Los Chapitos have lost 80% of their leaders due to arrests and assassinations.
- The internal war has left the Guzmán Salazar brothers exposed and isolated.
- The Mayo faction now dominates Culiacán, claiming victory over Chapitos.
- Heightened crime in Sinaloa with over 1,972 reported homicides.
Chapitos’ Leadership Crisis
Since mid-2024, Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, have faced a devastating internal war resulting in the loss of 80% of their key leaders. Arrests, deaths, and betrayals have decimated the group’s hierarchy, leaving Iván Archivaldo and Ovidio Guzmán López vulnerable. The leadership crisis began with the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, shifting power dynamics within the cartel.
With seven major figures, including Óscar “El Panu” Medina and Jorge “El Perris” Figueroa Benítez, captured or killed, the Chapitos are struggling to maintain control. Their internal feuds have weakened their position, allowing the Mayo faction to seize significant territory. The alleged betrayal by Joaquín Guzmán López has further isolated the remaining leadership, creating a vacuum that rivals are eager to exploit.
State action and the fight against the faction loyal to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada have resulted in high-profile arrests and murders that have dealt a blow to the sons of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán Sinaloa Cartel war is taking its toll on Los Chapitos https://t.co/ZtZulOzxwV
— El País English Edition (@elpaisinenglish) December 31, 2025
The Rise of the Mayo Faction
In the wake of Los Chapitos’ decline, the Mayo faction, led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, has emerged as the dominant force in Culiacán and rural Sinaloa. The faction has leveraged alliances with the BLO/Guasave Cartel to consolidate power. The strategic elimination of Chapitos’ leaders has facilitated the Mayo faction’s territorial gains, positioning them as a formidable adversary in the cartel’s power struggle.
The Mayo faction’s resurgence has been marked by a series of successful operations, including the capture and extradition of key Chapitos members. Their dominance is reflected in the ongoing territorial disputes and the surge in crime across Sinaloa, exemplified by the nearly 2,000 homicides since September 2024.
Impact on Sinaloa and Beyond
The collapse of Los Chapitos has profound implications for Sinaloa and the broader region. The intensifying conflict has led to widespread crime, with communities facing extortion and displacement. The power vacuum left by the Chapitos’ downfall has opened opportunities for other criminal organizations, such as the CJNG, to expand their influence.
As the Mayo faction solidifies its control, the traditional Sinaloa Cartel federation faces the risk of dissolution. The U.S. and Mexican governments continue to exert pressure through extraditions and joint security operations, a strategy likely to accelerate under the current administration. The situation mirrors the decline of Los Zetas, raising questions about the resilience of cartel structures in the face of internal and external challenges.
Watch the report:S ummer InSights – How the Chapitos Became Hyper-Capitalist Narcos
Sources:
- Los Chapitos in crisis: Caught between internal feuds and pressure from authorities
- Infighting in the Sinaloa Cartel
- How Sinaloa Cartel Rift Redrawing Mexico’s Criminal Map
- Year of Bloodshed in Sinaloa: Nearly 2,000 Dead in War Between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza
