Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador blamed the United States on Thursday for the surge in cartel violence terrorizing the northern state of Sinaloa, which has resulted in at least 30 deaths in the past week. Two warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel have clashed in the state capital of Culiacan in what appears to be a struggle for control.
Military operations were conducted throughout the city on Thursday afternoon, with military personnel and helicopters circling overhead. Despite the presence of soldiers, many families continued to hide indoors, with parents and teachers fearing they would be caught in the crossfire.
A mother from Culiacan who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of the cartels expressed her concerns about the safety of children and citizens. She stated that while some schools had reopened, she had not allowed her daughter to attend for two weeks, citing a recent encounter with armed men on a taxi they were traveling in.
The surge in violence was anticipated following Joaquín Guzmán López’s landing near El Paso, Texas on July 25 in a small plane accompanied by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. After his arrest, Zambada claimed he had been abducted by the younger Guzmán and taken to the U.S. against his will.
During Thursday’s press briefing, López Obrador accused American authorities of being responsible for the violence due to the capture of Zambada, labeling it an “illegal operation” carried out by agents from the Department of Justice who were waiting for Zambada.
He claimed that this decision was a unilateral action taken by the U.S. government and that it led to the current instability in Sinaloa. López Obrador stated that Mexico cannot maintain a cooperative relationship if such decisions are made unilaterally.
The Mexican president’s comments sparked criticism, with many questioning his strategy of “hugs not bullets” to combat cartels. The capture of Zambada has also fueled tensions in the U.S.-Mexico relationship, with the Mexican government considering treason charges against those involved in the plot.
As the violence continues to plague Mexico, cartels have employed increasingly sophisticated tactics, including roadside bombs, trenches, and bomb-dropping drones. López Obrador’s administration has faced criticism for its inability to curb cartel activity, despite his promises to reduce violence through a more peaceful approach. The ongoing bloodshed has raised concerns about the safety of citizens in affected areas like Sinaloa. The Mexican president’s claims that American authorities are responsible for the surge in cartel violence have sparked controversy and highlighted the complex relationship between the two countries. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Mexico will address the ongoing issue of cartel violence and its impact on citizens.
Source: News Break
