BBC Reports from Mexican City Gripped by Deadly Cartel Violence

BBC international correspondent Quentin Sommerville has travelled to Culiacán, the capital of northern Sinaloa state in Mexico, following a dramatic explosion of violence that has gripped the region.

The city has become the epicentre of escalating tensions between rival factions, with deadly clashes breaking out in recent days. The violence has left residents fearful and authorities struggling to maintain order in the face of heavily armed criminal organisations.

Sommerville's report from the ground reveals the stark reality of life in a city where cartel influence extends into nearly every aspect of daily existence. The violence marks a significant escalation in a region long plagued by drug trafficking and organised crime.

The Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organisations, has historically dominated the region. However, recent infighting has created a power vacuum that has spilled onto the streets, endangering civilians and challenging the state's authority.

International observers are closely monitoring the situation, which highlights the ongoing challenges facing Mexico in its decades-long struggle against powerful drug trafficking organisations. The violence in Culiacán serves as a reminder of the human cost of the cartel wars that continue to afflict parts of the country.