Puerto Vallarta Cartel Showdown: Questions on Mexico’s Security Policy Arise María Alejandra Trujillo - BNN
go to original February 18, 2024

Mexican soldiers patrol the beaches of Jalisco State's Puerto Vallarta (Getty Images)

In the serene morning of Puerto Vallarta, a confrontation that echoed the ongoing struggle against cartel dominance unfolded, underscoring the volatile intersection of policy and violence in Mexico. National Guardsmen, during a routine patrol in the rural expanse of El Ranchito, found themselves in a high-stakes engagement with two cartel gunmen. This encounter led to the uncovering of an alarming arsenal, spotlighting the challenges faced by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's 'Hugs Not Bullets' approach to quelling the country's enduring violence.

The Encounter: A Moment of Truth

The sequence of events that unfolded was both sudden and illuminating. As the guardsmen navigated the tranquil yet treacherous terrain of El Ranchito, they stumbled upon two individuals who seemed out of place amidst the rural calm. The suspicion quickly escalated into a shootout when the gunmen, sensing the imminent threat of capture, attempted to evade the authorities. Despite their efforts, they were swiftly surrounded, leading to their surrender. The altercation left one gunman injured, necessitating immediate medical attention.

A Revealing Discovery

What followed was a discovery that laid bare the depth of the armament that fuels the cartel's operations. Tucked within the gunmen's vehicle was an array of weaponry that one might expect in a war zone rather than the rural landscapes of Jalisco. Among the cache were two rocket launchers, ten rockets, seven grenades, alongside rifles, handguns, abundant ammunition, and tactical gear designed for combat.

This seizure not only represents a significant blow to the operational capabilities of the cartel involved but also raises profound questions about the source of such military-grade weaponry. The presence of RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenades) and shoulder-fired rockets among the arsenal indicates a sophisticated level of armament that poses a severe threat to the safety and security of both the authorities and the civilian population.

Policy Under Scrutiny

Incidents such as these bring to the forefront the ongoing debate surrounding President Lopez Obrador's 'Hugs Not Bullets' policy. Advocated as a means to address the root causes of cartel violence through non-violent measures, the policy faces criticism for its perceived inability to stem the tide of aggression from well-armed criminal groups. This latest encounter in Puerto Vallarta exemplifies the complex terrain Mexico navigates as it seeks to dismantle the power of cartels without resorting to escalating violence.

Read the rest at BNN

Related: Mexican Drug Cartels Employ Landmines and IEDs in Escalating Turf Wars (BNN)

Related: Seeking Peace in Mexico, Four Bishops Meet with Organized Crime (Catholic World Report)

Related: Escalating Violence in Mexico: A Crisis Ahead of Presidential Election (BNN)

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