Cartel Alliances Reshape Mexico’s Criminal Landscape as Sinaloa War Intensifies

Armed groups in Sinaloa continue their bloody conflict despite government efforts to restore peace. A video circulating on social media confirms rumors of a strategic alliance between Los Chapitos faction and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Men with weapons declare their loyalty to “Mr. Mencho and Mr. Iván” while firing shots into the air, directly threatening those who switched sides.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration validates these claims, warning that this partnership could dramatically alter Mexico‘s criminal power balance.

The alliance reportedly centers around Adrián Alonso Covarrubias “El Ocho,” godson of CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera. This partnership grants both groups expanded territories, resources, firepower, and access to corrupt officials.

Violence has spread beyond Culiacán to northern mountainous regions since May 5. Armed convoys now operate openly in Guamuchil, while shootouts plague Choix and Badiraguato.

Even Mocorito, previously known only for mining, faces cartel violence. Local criminal groups formerly aligned with Los Chapitos have reportedly switched allegiance to El Mayo Zambada’s faction.

The defecting groups belong to “Los Cholos” structure, previously led by Iván “El Cholo” Gastelum, a former lieutenant of El Chapo Guzmán. These groups now receive support from forces commanded by Isidro Meza from northern territories.

Los Chapitos face mounting pressure after leader Iván Archivaldo Guzmán narrowly escaped authorities in February through a bathroom tunnel. This escape mirrors his father’s notorious tactics but highlights the faction’s vulnerability.

Mexican authorities have targeted Los Chapitos more heavily in recent months. The current realignment echoes similar alliances formed during previous cartel wars.

Seventeen years ago, the Beltrán Leyva organization allied with Los Zetas after El Chapo betrayed them. Today’s conflict differs fundamentally as the betrayed party is El Mayo himself, El Chapo’s longtime partner.

As these powerful criminal alliances evolve and violence spreads to new territories, resolution remains distant. The shifting alliances between major criminal organizations create profound implications for security throughout Mexico, particularly in Sinaloa state.