Mexico demands investigation into how Mexican drug cartels obtained high-powered U.S. military weapons
OAN’s Elizabeth Volberding
2:25 PM – Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Mexico Demands Investigation into U.S. Military Weapons in Cartels’ Hands
Mexico’s top diplomat has called for an urgent investigation into the alarming trend of Mexican drug cartels acquiring military-grade weapons from the United States.
The Mexican army has discovered rocket launchers, grenades, and belt-fed machine guns in the possession of drug cartels, weapons that are not available for civilian purchase in the U.S.
“The (Mexican) Defense Department has warned the United States about weapons entering Mexico that are for the exclusive use of the U.S. army,” Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena announced. “It is very urgent that an investigation into this be carried out.”
In recent years, the Mexican army has seized a significant number of military firearms and other weapons from drug cartels. These cartels openly flaunt their U.S. military-grade weaponry on social media, posing a serious threat to Mexico’s security forces.
While the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has pledged to investigate the issue, officials believe that the weapons could have arrived in Mexico through various means, including past conflicts in Central America and the black market.
Mexico has long struggled with the smuggling of semi-automatic rifles from the U.S., where they are legally available, into a country with strict regulations on firearms. The Mexican government estimates that 70% of the trafficked weapons originate in the U.S.
It is crucial for both countries to address this issue and prevent further escalation of violence caused by these military-grade weapons falling into the wrong hands.
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What measures should be implemented by both countries to improve intelligence sharing and cooperation in order to effectively intercept arms smuggling operations and prevent further proliferation of these weapons to drug cartels
Sed by the illegal acquisition of military-grade weapons by Mexican drug cartels. The availability of such weapons poses a significant threat to the security and stability of Mexico.
The Mexican government has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of military-grade weapons found in the possession of drug cartels. These weapons, including rocket launchers, grenades, and belt-fed machine guns, are not available for civilian purchase in the United States. The Mexican army, in its efforts to combat drug cartels, has seized a significant number of these weapons, which are openly flaunted by cartels on social media platforms.
Foreign Relations Secretary Alicia Bárcena has called for an urgent investigation into this issue. The Mexican Defense Department has already alerted the United States about the phenomenon, emphasizing that these weapons are solely intended for use by the U.S. army. It is imperative to determine how these weapons are finding their way into Mexico and falling into the hands of drug cartels.
While the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, has promised an investigation, officials believe that the weapons could have entered Mexico through various means. It is possible that they have originated from past conflicts in Central America or have been obtained through the black market. Regardless of the source, it is crucial to identify and disrupt these channels of smuggling to prevent further armament of drug cartels.
Mexico has long struggled with the smuggling of firearms from the United States, where semi-automatic rifles are legally available, into a country with stringent regulations on firearms. The Mexican government estimates that 70% of the trafficked weapons come from the U.S. This illicit flow of weapons has fueled drug-related violence, resulting in countless deaths and endangering the lives of Mexican citizens and security forces.
Addressing this issue requires joint efforts by both countries. The United States must strengthen its regulations and control measures to prevent the illegal export of weapons to Mexico. Additionally, tighter border security and improved intelligence sharing between the two nations are crucial to intercept arms smuggling operations.
Mexico, on its part, must enhance its own efforts to tackle arms trafficking within its borders. Strengthening border controls, implementing stricter penalties for illegal possession of firearms, and improving intelligence and law enforcement cooperation are vital steps in curbing this problem. The Mexican government should also explore avenues for international cooperation to disrupt the black market networks that facilitate the illegal trade of military-grade weapons.
The alarming trend of Mexican drug cartels acquiring U.S. military weapons demands urgent attention and action. Both countries bear responsibility in addressing this issue to safeguard the lives and security of their citizens. It is vital to conduct a thorough investigation, identify the sources of these weapons, and implement comprehensive measures to prevent their continued proliferation. By working together, the United States and Mexico can curb the influence and power of drug cartels and foster a safer and more stable region.
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