Mexican drug cartels and international terrace groups forming alliances

 Michael Webster syndicated investigative reporter

Recent reports indicate that Mexican drug cartels and international terrorist groups may be forming alliances for mutual benefit, including training exchanges. Sources suggest that cartels might be providing training to terrorists in exchange for logistical support or other resources. This trend appears to be a strategic evolution, leveraging each group's specific expertise to further their respective goals.

A report from the University of Arizona Press highlights instances where Mexican cartels have provided operational training and strategic guidance to terrorist cells. This partnership is mutually beneficial, as cartels gain access to new networks and resources, while terrorists receive training in areas such as smuggling and covert operations.

Furthermore, according to InSight Crime, the U.S. military's strategy of targeting high-value cartel leaders has inadvertently caused fragmentation within the cartels, creating smaller, more volatile organizations. This environment could facilitate collaborations between dispersed cartel factions and terrorist groups, which can operate more fluidly without a rigid hierarchical structure.

Additionally, a report by Foreign Policy highlights that the breakdown of large cartels into smaller units has made it easier for these groups to engage in diversified criminal activities, including collaborations with terrorist organizations. This dynamic creates a complex threat landscape that complicates intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts.

These alliances are not just theoretical; there are documented cases of operational collaborations. For instance, InSight Crime notes that the mutual benefits of these relationships include sharing smuggling routes and exchanging expertise in various illegal operations. Such collaborations pose a significant security threat, as they enhance the capabilities of both parties involved.

For your investigative report, it would be beneficial to explore these dynamics further, focusing on the implications of such alliances for U.S. national security and regional stability. Integrating these findings with the ongoing narrative of cartel-terrorist collaborations could provide a comprehensive overview of this emerging threat.

Sources:

• University of Arizona Press
• InSight Crime
• Foreign Policy