Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has deployed thousands of troops to the troubled state of Sinaloa, marking a significant shift in her country’s security strategy. This move comes amid a fresh wave of violence and the threat of tariffs from US President Donald Trump.
Sheinbaum’s decision follows an intra-cartel war that broke out in September, killing over 650 people. The deployment of troops is the most substantial since at least six years ago and includes military and naval units, special forces, and heavy weaponry. High-profile arrests and large drug seizures have followed, including a record bust of over a ton of fentanyl.
The new strategy has raised concerns that it may further inflame violence and homicides, as Mexico’s cartels are heavily armed with military-grade weapons. Security experts say the approach is partly a response to Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on Mexican products if the country does not curb drug trafficking and migrant crossings.
Sheinbaum’s security chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch, has been overseeing operations in Sinaloa. His strategy focuses on addressing social causes of crime rather than solely targeting cartels. However, some experts warn that replicating this approach nationwide could lead to unintended consequences, as each cartel group has its own unique characteristics.
The United Nations has criticized the use of armed forces in Mexico’s fight against crime, citing human rights concerns. The Mexican government denies these claims, but security experts say the new strategy may inadvertently fuel more violence and instability.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexicos-president-may-be-toughening-fight-with-drug-cartels-2024-12-24