Decapitating cartels? Mexico leans into ‘kingpin strategy’ but at a cost
Al Jazeera·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
Mexico's 'kingpin strategy' targeting cartel leaders like Ismael Zambada has triggered unintended consequences. El Mayo's arrest in July 2024 sparked internal Sinaloa Cartel conflicts, causing homicides to surge from 44 to 142 monthly in Sinaloa. Activists report 5,800 disappearances since July 2024, questioning whether dismantling leadership without addressing lower-level operations effectively protects civilians from violence.
Key Entities
MexicoIsmael 'El Mayo' ZambadaSinaloa CartelCuliacanMaria Isabel CruzSabuesos GuerrerasWar on drugs