The raging cartel violence that has terrorized the state of Sinaloa for months led to the closing of IHOP restaurants in that region. The restaurant is one of numerous businesses that closed in that Mexican state, which continues to see brutal cartel fighting, targeted killings, abductions, and terror-style attacks. Public officials continue to claim public safety is improving.

This week, IHOP Sinaloa announced in a prepared statement that it was closing its locations in Culiacan, Sinaloa, due to the violence in the area. The continuing violence made it too unsafe for the restaurant’s employees and customers. The statement claimed the chain could reopen its doors when security improved in the region.