Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador blames the United States for the surge in cartel violence terrorizing the northern state of Sinaloa which has left at least 30 people dead in the past week.
At a Glance
- Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador blames the United States for the surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa.
- At least 30 people have died in the past week due to clashes between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel in Culiacan.
- The violence erupted after the arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the U.S. in late July.
- Businesses are closing early, and few people venture out after dark.
- Schools in Culiacan have reopened, but many parents are still afraid to send their children due to the violence.
López Obrador Blames U.S. Authorities
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has squarely pointed the finger at the United States for the surge in cartel violence tormenting the northern state of Sinaloa, where at least 30 people have been killed in the past week. López Obrador blames the U.S. for capturing cartel leader Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, describing the action as illegal and claiming it has destabilized the region.
The violence within the powerful Sinaloa cartel erupted after the arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the U.S. in late July. According to López Obrador, the U.S. operation to capture Zambada was illegal and responsible for the instability in Sinaloa, causing violent confrontations among different factions within the cartel.
López Obrador criticized the unilateral decisions by the U.S. in these operations, saying, “There cannot be a cooperative relationship if they take unilateral decisions” like the operation against Zambada. This sentiment echoes his broader strategy of “hugs not bullets,” which emphasizes reducing cartel violence through social programs and economic opportunities instead of direct confrontation. However, as the violence continues to escalate, so does the scrutiny of this strategy.
The Impact on Culiacan Residents
The unrest has severely impacted daily life in Culiacan. Schools have begun to reopen, but many parents are still reluctant to send their children due to ongoing violence. A mother from Culiacan shared her fear, stating, “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.”
Business operations in Culiacan have also been disrupted, with many closing early to avoid the violence that has become rampant in the evenings. The power vacuum created by the arrest of key cartel figures has led to a destabilized environment where lawlessness reigning, forcing the city to operate in a state of constant fear.
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
Strained U.S.-Mexico Relations
Tensions between the U.S. and Mexico are consequently escalating. López Obrador has previously paused relations with the U.S. and Canadian embassies, further exacerbating the diplomatic strain. This current situation only adds to the pre-existing issues between the two nations, which involve disagreements over judicial reforms and the handling of cross-border crime operations.
Adding fuel to the fire, Mexican prosecutors are considering treason charges against those involved in the plan to capture Zambada. López Obrador’s administration insists that the lack of communication and collaboration from the U.S. in such operations threatens the stability of Mexican regions ravaged by cartel violence.
The Future of López Obrador’s Strategy
The continuing violence casts doubt on the effectiveness of López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” strategy. While he has asked cartels to act responsibly, the violence continues unabated, suggesting that his strategy needs reassessment. In this regard, López Obrador’s critics argue that his reluctance to confront the cartels head-on may not be the best approach to dealing with such ingrained and pervasive violence.
“Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has blamed the United States in part for the surge in cartel violence terrorizing the northern state of Sinaloa, which has left at least 30 people dead in the past week.
As both nations navigate these turbulent times, it remains to be seen what steps will be taken to address the growing violence and stabilize the region. The arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada may not be the last of the efforts to bring cartel leaders to justice, but the broader implications of these actions are now unmistakably clear.
Sources:
- Mexican president blames the US for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges
- Mexican president blames the US for bloodshed in Sinaloa as cartel violence surges
