US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on the Mexican government to target drug cartels, holding them responsible for the drug crisis in the United States and threatening economic sanctions and potential military action. In response, Mexico has dispatched military forces to Sinaloa, a region embroiled in violent conflict between factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, endangering local populations. CNN's Isobel Yeung reports from the area, interviewing cartel members, interacting with families affected by the violence, and observing military efforts to dismantle drug production operations in rural areas. The situation in Sinaloa highlights the complex dynamics of cartel influence and the challenges faced by both Mexican authorities and civilians caught in the crossfire. This coverage underscores the broader geopolitical tensions and the impact of US policies on Mexico's internal security landscape.

US President Donald Trump has accused Mexican cartels of exacerbating the American drug crisis and has threatened Mexico with tariffs and possible military strikes if they fail to act against these groups.

The Mexican government has responded by deploying hundreds of troops to Sinaloa, a state known for its ongoing violent power struggle between rival Sinaloa Cartel factions.

CNN correspondent Isobel Yeung travels to Sinaloa, where she gains access to a member of the Sinaloa cartel and gathers firsthand accounts from families affected by the cartel-related violence.

The report reveals the dangerous conditions civilians face amid the cartel conflict and highlights the military's active role in targeting drug production facilities throughout the countryside.

The presence of the military in Sinaloa signifies the Mexican government's commitment to addressing cartel violence but also illustrates the precarious situation for local residents.

Interviews and observations from the region provide insight into the complexity of cartel operations and the difficulties in eradicating their influence in rural areas.

The situation in Sinaloa serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges in US-Mexico relations, particularly in terms of cross-border drug policy and its repercussions on local communities.