Mexico President Blames The US For Mexican Cartel Violence

violent cartel members

Mexico’s President blames the U.S. for the escalating cartel violence in Sinaloa.

At a Glance

  • Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador holds the U.S. responsible for the surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa.
  • At least 30 people have died in clashes between Sinaloa cartel factions.
  • The instability followed the U.S. arrests of cartel leaders Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
  • Schools and businesses in Culiacan are impacted by the violence.
  • López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” strategy faces criticism amid the ongoing violence.

Blame on the United States

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has attributed the recent surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa to actions taken by U.S. authorities. He claims that the capture of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada by the U.S. has destabilized the region and caused internal conflicts among the cartel’s factions.

This has resulted in widespread violence, leading to at least 30 deaths in the past week in Culiacan alone. López Obrador has labeled the U.S. operation to capture Zambada as illegal and blames it for the current instability in Sinaloa.

Impact on Daily Life in Culiacan

As violence escalates, the local population in Culiacan faces severe disruptions. Schools were forced to close, and many businesses had to shut their doors prematurely amid the clashes. Parents remain apprehensive about sending their children back to school even after reopening, fearing for their safety amid the ongoing chaos.

“Where is the security for our children, for ourselves too, for all citizens? It’s so dangerous here, you don’t want to go outside,” expressed one concerned mother from Culiacan.

The violence has further led to a heavy military presence and disrupted daily life in Culiacan. Armed teams continue to engage each other and the security forces, causing numerous fatalities and instilling fear within the city.

Criticism of “Hugs Not Bullets” Approach

López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” strategy to curb cartel activities has been under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that this approach has been ineffective in controlling cartel-related violence, especially in light of the recent surge in bloodshed in Sinaloa. With the cartel using advanced tactics like IEDs, armored vehicles, and drones, the strategy’s effectiveness is moot.

Mexican prosecutors are even considering treason charges against those involved in the plan to capture Zambada. The ongoing violence appears to be part of a larger power struggle within the cartel, exacerbating the crisis in the region.

Tensions in U.S.-Mexico Relations

Tensions between the U.S. and Mexico have escalated due to the violent events in Sinaloa. López Obrador has previously paused relations with U.S. and Canadian embassies, criticizing the lack of communication and collaboration from the U.S. in such operations. This situation further strains the already delicate relationship and raises questions about future bilateral cooperation.

The violence in Sinaloa, coupled with the arrests of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, underlines the complexity of cartel dynamics and their impact on both local communities and international relations.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR