CULIACÁN, Mexico: Mexican media reported 10 new deaths on Saturday in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, where rival cartel factions have been in open conflict with each other and authorities in recent days. This brings the total number of people dead or missing to more than 100, with gruesome violence showing no signs of abating.

The conflict between the two most powerful factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, a drug gang, was triggered in July, when legendary trafficker and leader of one of those groupings, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, was arrested in the United States. Zambada, 74, alleges that a senior member of the Los Chapitos, another faction of the cartel, kidnapped him and then flew him to the United States against his will.

Since fighting broke out on Sept 9, shootouts have disrupted daily life in the capital, Culiacan, where schools have had to close on some days while restaurants and shops shuttered early. Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha Moya on Friday said more than 40 people have been arrested in recent days, while more than 5,000 food packages have been handed out across Sinaloa.

Around 70 people have been killed in the state since September 9, mostly in the capital city Culiacan, AFP reports based on official and press tallies. According to Reuters, 51 others are missing. The federal government sent 600 soldiers on Saturday to reinforce security in Sinaloa.

Three incidents occurred on Saturday in the central Tres Rios area of Culiacan. The first was a shootout between police and alleged hitmen, after which unknown individuals blockaded a road with cars and motorcycles about 200 meters (650 feet) from the prosecutor’s office.

Separately, security agents were attacked by gunmen who then fled into an apartment building. An ensuing shootout left three alleged criminals dead, one arrested and two soldiers injured, Governor Ruben Rocha Moya wrote on X. “The security forces managed to evacuate six adults and a minor from the property where the aggressors were taking refuge,” said Rocha, who traveled on Saturday to Mexico City to meet with president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum.

Local media also reported seven other deaths. The bodies of five people were left in the street, half-naked and wearing hats, in what is presumed to be a message of intimidation between the warring factions. Authorities have yet to comment on the deaths.

The wave of violence is believed to pit gang members loyal to El Chapo and his sons against others aligned with Zambada. He pleaded not guilty to a raft of charges during a recent court appearance in New York.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who leaves office at the end of the month, has placed partial blame on the United States, saying it unilaterally planned Zambada’s capture. US officials have privately confirmed that they held talks with Guzman but US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, last month said that American officials were surprised to discover Zambada on US soil. Salazar added that no U.S. resources or personnel were involved in the July 25 kidnapping of Zambada. — Agencies