Mexican President López Obrador blames U.S. for surge in Sinaloa cartel violence, straining bilateral relations.
At a Glance
- At least 30 people have died in the past week due to clashes between Sinaloa cartel factions
- López Obrador claims U.S. arrest of cartel leaders led to power vacuum and violence
- President’s “hugs not bullets” strategy faces criticism as cartel violence continues
- Schools and businesses in Culiacan disrupted, residents living in fear
López Obrador Points Finger at U.S. for Cartel Violence
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has ignited controversy by directly blaming the United States for the recent surge in cartel violence plaguing the northern state of Sinaloa. The president’s accusations come in the wake of at least 30 deaths in the past week, as two factions of the notorious Sinaloa cartel engage in a bloody power struggle.
López Obrador’s criticism centers on the U.S. apprehension of cartel leaders, particularly the arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada near El Paso, Texas, in late July. The Mexican leader argues that these arrests have created a dangerous power vacuum, leading to violent clashes between rival cartel factions vying for control.
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
Accusations of Illegal U.S. Operations
In a bold move, López Obrador has accused the United States of conducting illegal operations on Mexican soil. The president claims that the capture of Zambada was carried out without proper communication or collaboration with Mexican authorities, further straining the already tense relationship between the two countries.
“Yes, of course … for having carried out this operation,” López Obrador stated, directly attributing blame to the U.S. for the current violence. He further alleged that the operation to capture Zambada was “totally illegal, and agents from the Department of Justice were waiting for Mr. Mayo.”
The Mexican leader’s accusations have raised eyebrows and heightened diplomatic tensions. López Obrador has gone as far as to suggest that Mexican prosecutors are considering treason charges against those involved in the plan to capture Zambada, signaling a potential escalation in the bilateral dispute.
Impact on Culiacan and Criticism of “Hugs Not Bullets” Policy
The ongoing violence has paralyzed daily life in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state. Residents live in constant fear, with many parents reluctant to send their children to school despite reopenings. Businesses are closing early, and streets become deserted after dark as the community grapples with the threat of being caught in the crossfire.
“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, highlighting the palpable fear gripping the city.
The escalating violence has put López Obrador’s controversial “hugs not bullets” approach to combating cartels under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that this non-confrontational strategy has emboldened criminal organizations, allowing them to operate with impunity and employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, including the use of IEDs, armored vehicles, and drones.
Strained U.S.-Mexico Relations
The situation in Sinaloa has further complicated the already strained relationship between the United States and Mexico. López Obrador’s administration has previously paused relations with U.S. and Canadian embassies, and the president’s recent accusations have only added fuel to the diplomatic fire.
“There cannot be a cooperative relationship if they take unilateral decisions,” López Obrador stated, underscoring the growing rift between the two nations on matters of security and drug enforcement.
As the violence continues and diplomatic tensions simmer, the effectiveness of both countries’ approaches to combating drug cartels remains in question. The situation in Sinaloa serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing U.S.-Mexico cooperation in the ongoing battle against organized crime and drug trafficking.
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