Mexican President López Obrador blames the U.S. for Sinaloa cartel violence, drawing criticism for his “hugs not bullets” policy.
At a Glance
- López Obrador claims U.S. operations led to surge in cartel violence in Sinaloa
- At least 30 people killed in clashes between Sinaloa cartel factions
- Violence erupted after arrest of key cartel figures by U.S. authorities
- President’s “hugs not bullets” strategy faces increased scrutiny
- Tensions rise between U.S. and Mexico over unilateral actions
Mexican President Shifts Blame to U.S. for Cartel Violence
In a controversial statement, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has pointed the finger at the United States for the recent surge in cartel violence in the northern state of Sinaloa. The president’s remarks come as the region grapples with a wave of bloodshed that has claimed at least 30 lives in the past week, exposing the shortcomings of his administration’s soft approach to combating organized crime.
López Obrador’s accusation stems from the U.S. arrest of key Sinaloa cartel figures, including Joaquín Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, near El Paso, Texas, in late July. The president claims these arrests destabilized the cartel’s power structure, leading to internal conflicts and increased violence. This stance has raised eyebrows among security experts and conservative critics who argue that the Mexican government’s lax policies are the root cause of the ongoing cartel problem.
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
“Hugs Not Bullets” Policy Under Fire
The escalating violence in Sinaloa has cast a harsh spotlight on López Obrador’s controversial “hugs not bullets” strategy, which prioritizes social programs over military force in combating crime. Critics argue that this approach has emboldened cartels and failed to curb the violence plaguing many parts of Mexico. The current situation in Culiacan, where gunmen have terrorized the city of 1 million people, seems to validate these concerns.
“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 told reporters, highlighting the fear gripping local residents.
The president’s soft stance on cartels has not only failed to reduce violence but has also strained relations with the United States. López Obrador’s criticism of U.S. operations and his suggestion that cartels should “act responsibly” have been met with disbelief and frustration from American officials and law enforcement agencies working to stem the flow of drugs across the border.
U.S.-Mexico Tensions Escalate
López Obrador’s accusations against the United States have further complicated an already tense bilateral relationship. The Mexican president has gone so far as to claim that the U.S. operation to capture Zambada was “totally illegal,” and that American justice department agents were lying in wait for the cartel leader. This rhetoric has not only soured diplomatic ties but has also raised questions about Mexico’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
“Yes, of course … for having carried out this operation,” López Obrador stated, directly blaming the U.S. for the violence. This confrontational stance threatens to undermine crucial cooperation between the two countries in the fight against drug cartels.
The situation in Sinaloa serves as a stark reminder of the sophisticated tactics employed by cartels, including the use of IEDs, armored vehicles, and drones. These advanced capabilities highlight the urgent need for a more robust and coordinated approach to tackling organized crime, rather than the current policy of appeasement.
A Call for Stronger Action
As the violence continues to escalate and disrupt daily life in Culiacan, with businesses closing early and residents afraid to venture out after dark, it is clear that López Obrador’s “hugs not bullets” policy is failing to protect Mexican citizens. The president’s attempt to shift blame to the United States for internal Mexican problems only serves to deflect from his administration’s inability to effectively combat the cartels.
Conservative critics and security experts argue that what Mexico needs is not fewer bullets, but more targeted and aggressive action against cartel leaders and their operations. The current crisis in Sinaloa demonstrates the urgent need for a reevaluation of Mexico’s security strategy and a renewed commitment to working closely with U.S. authorities to dismantle these powerful criminal organizations.
As families in Culiacan continue to live in fear, hiding from potential crossfire, it is clear that López Obrador’s policies have failed to provide the security and stability that Mexican citizens deserve. The time has come for a more robust, law-and-order approach to dealing with the cartel threat, one that prioritizes the safety of innocent civilians over misguided attempts at appeasement.
