Mexico has been plagued by a wave of violence in recent years, with shocking and gruesome acts of brutality being committed on a daily basis. The country's drug cartels, which have been warring with each other and the government for decades, have been responsible for many of the violent acts, including murders, kidnappings, and torture. The violence has been so severe that it has led to a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people being displaced from their homes and forced to flee for their lives.
The Rise of Violence in Mexico
The rise of violence in Mexico can be attributed to the fragmentation of the country’s drug cartels, which has led to a surge in violent competition for territory and control. The Sinaloa cartel, once the most powerful cartel in Mexico, has been weakened in recent years, leading to a power vacuum that has been filled by other cartels, such as the Jalisco New Generation cartel and the Zetas. These cartels have been responsible for many of the violent acts, including the murder of innocent civilians, police officers, and soldiers.
Violence Against Civilians
One of the most shocking aspects of the violence in Mexico is the targeting of civilians. Many people have been killed or injured in brutal attacks, including shootings, bombings, and stabbings. The violence has also led to a surge in kidnappings, with many people being taken from their homes or off the streets and held for ransom. In some cases, the kidnappers have demanded that the victims’ families pay large sums of money in exchange for their safe release. In other cases, the victims have been killed, even after their families have paid the ransom.
| Year | Number of Homicides |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 17,034 |
| 2016 | 20,653 |
| 2017 | 25,339 |
| 2018 | 28,816 |
| 2019 | 34,582 |
The Role of the Cartels
The cartels have been responsible for many of the violent acts in Mexico, including the murder of innocent civilians, police officers, and soldiers. The cartels have also been involved in other criminal activities, such as extortion, kidnapping, and human trafficking. The Sinaloa cartel, once the most powerful cartel in Mexico, has been weakened in recent years, leading to a power vacuum that has been filled by other cartels, such as the Jalisco New Generation cartel and the Zetas.
Violence Against Journalists
Journalists have also been targeted by the cartels, with many being killed or intimidated for reporting on the violence. The Committee to Protect Journalists has reported that Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with many being killed or forced into exile. The violence against journalists has had a chilling effect on freedom of the press, with many journalists being afraid to report on the cartels or the government’s response to the violence.
The Mexican government has established a number of programs to protect journalists, including a protection program that provides security measures and financial support to journalists who are under threat. However, many critics argue that these programs are inadequate and that more needs to be done to protect journalists and ensure that they can report freely and safely.
What is the main cause of the violence in Mexico?
+The main cause of the violence in Mexico is the fragmentation of the country’s drug cartels, which has led to a surge in violent competition for territory and control.
How many people have been killed in Mexico’s drug war?
+According to official statistics, over 250,000 people have been killed in Mexico’s drug war since 2006.
What is being done to address the violence in Mexico?
+The Mexican government has established a number of programs to address the violence, including a national security strategy that aims to reduce violence and improve security. The government has also increased its military presence in certain areas and has established a number of community policing programs to build trust and improve relationships between the police and local communities.
