Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador points fingers at U.S. for escalating cartel violence in Sinaloa, sparking diplomatic tensions and local fear.
At a Glance
- At least 30 people killed in Sinaloa cartel violence in the past week
- López Obrador blames U.S. arrests of cartel leaders for destabilizing the region
- Violence erupted after arrests of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada
- Local communities living in fear, with schools and businesses disrupted
- Criticism grows for López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” policy
U.S. Intervention Sparks Cartel Turmoil
In a startling turn of events, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has placed blame squarely on the United States for the recent surge in cartel violence plaguing the northern state of Sinaloa. The region has been rocked by bloodshed, with at least 30 people losing their lives in the past week alone. This outbreak of violence follows the arrests of key Sinaloa cartel figures, Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, near El Paso, Texas, in late July.
López Obrador didn’t mince words when addressing the issue, stating, “Yes, of course … for having carried out this operation.” He further criticized the lack of communication from U.S. authorities, asserting that the operation to capture Zambada was “totally illegal” and that “agents from the Department of Justice were waiting for Mr. Mayo.” This unilateral action by the U.S. has not only destabilized the region but has also strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Mexican president blames the U.S. for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges https://t.co/aF9ixKHbFw
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) September 20, 2024
Communities Living in Fear
The aftermath of these arrests has plunged Culiacan, a city of one million people, into chaos. Warring factions within the Sinaloa cartel have turned the streets into battlegrounds, forcing residents to live in constant fear. Schools have reopened, but many parents are still too afraid to send their children, prioritizing safety over education. Businesses are closing early, and the once-bustling city becomes a ghost town after dark.
“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,” one Culiacan mother shared, her words echoing the sentiments of many in the community.
The violence has escalated to such a degree that the Mexican military has been forced to intervene, with helicopters and ground troops deployed in northern Culiacan. Families are hiding in their homes, terrified of being caught in the crossfire between cartel members and security forces. The sophisticated tactics employed by the cartels, including the use of IEDs, armored vehicles, and drones, have only heightened the sense of danger and helplessness among civilians.
Policy Under Fire
López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” strategy, which emphasizes social reforms over military action, is facing increasing criticism as the violence continues unabated. The president’s approach, aimed at addressing the root causes of cartel recruitment, seems ineffective in the face of the current crisis. His recent plea for cartels to act responsibly has been met with skepticism, as the bloodshed shows no signs of abating.
López Obrador confirmed U.S. Government responsibility for the violence, saying, “Yes, of course… For having carried out this operation.” He criticized unilateral decisions by the U.S., stating, “There cannot be a cooperative relationship if they take unilateral decisions” like the operation against Zambada.
Two warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel have clashed in the state capital of Culiacan in what appears to be a fight for power since two of its leaders were arrested in the United States in late July.
The situation has reached such a critical point that Mexican prosecutors are now considering treason charges against those involved in the plan to capture Zambada. This move underscores the gravity of the diplomatic rift between Mexico and the United States, with López Obrador previously pausing relations with U.S. and Canadian embassies over separate issues.
As the violence continues and diplomatic tensions escalate, the people of Sinaloa find themselves caught in the crossfire of a complex geopolitical struggle. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether a resolution can be found to stem the tide of violence and restore peace to this embattled region.
