Mexican cartels boast of increased lethal firepower, including some weapons from the U.S.
The rise in cartel violence and sophistication of weaponry in Mexico continues to alarm authorities on both sides of the border. In a stark revelation, Mexican cartels have started to showcase their increased firepower, including U.S.-made weaponry, as a show of strength.
Secret Weapons Revealed
El Flaco, a masked mercenary operating in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, disclosed the cartels’ possession and use of the FGM 148 Javelin, an advanced U.S.-made infrared-guided missile launcher. According to El Flaco, cartels have been training operatives in the use of these powerful weapons to bolster their combat capabilities against rivals and government forces.
Security consultant David Saucedo confirmed the cartels’ use of Javelins, interpreting the display as a strategic move to intimidate Mexico’s incoming government. “It’s to show the government, perhaps this one or the incoming one, that they have the ability to launch attacks of this kind with the weaponry they have,” Saucedo explained.
U.S. and Mexican Denials
Despite these claims, U.S. and Mexican officials have denied the presence of Javelins within cartel arsenals. However, historical lapses in U.S. weapon tracking systems, such as the loss of 35 Javelins during the Iraq War, raise concerns about the potential for these weapons to fall into the wrong hands. Indeed, similar weapons have been discovered in conflict zones like Syria and Libya.
Mexican authorities have confirmed the confiscation of two Javelins from the New Generation Jalisco Cartel, hinting at the reality behind these denials. Moreover, a high-profile helicopter crash in Aguascalientes, initially attributed to mechanical failure, is now suspected to have been caused by a missile strike, possibly from a Javelin.
Escalation of the Arms Race
The arms race between Mexican cartels and the government has intensified in recent years. Cartels have acquired sophisticated weapons, including belt-fed gatling guns, drone bombs, and land mines, to counter the Mexican military’s advanced tactics. For instance, during high-profile raids, the military has used miniguns capable of firing over 4,000 rounds per minute from helicopter gunships, prompting cartels to seek even more powerful weaponry.
El Flaco revealed that threats from U.S. politicians to intervene militarily in Mexico have further fueled the cartels’ armament efforts. The prospect of U.S. military action has driven cartel leaders to bolster their arsenals with weapons capable of countering both Mexican and potential foreign forces.
Historical Context and Current Threats
The history of cartel attempts to purchase advanced weaponry is well-documented. In 2009, cartel members negotiated with undercover U.S. agents to buy surface-to-air missiles and rocket launchers. In subsequent years, Mexican authorities have seized various sophisticated weapons from cartels, including infrared-guided missile launchers and homemade drone bombs.
The increase in cartel firepower coincides with calls from some U.S. officials to designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations and to take military action against them. Notably, former President Donald Trump suggested bombing cartel operations, and if re-elected, has pledged to send Special Forces to eliminate drug lords in Mexico.
Implications and Future Concerns
The potential for conflict remains high as cartels continue to amass advanced weaponry. El Flaco’s warning underscores the gravity of the situation: “The cartel will always want something even bigger. If U.S. forces dare enter the country, we have the means to fight back.”
This escalating arms race poses significant risks not only to Mexico but also to regional stability and U.S.-Mexico relations. The continued flow of U.S. weapons into cartel hands highlights the urgent need for enhanced tracking and control measures to prevent further escalation of violence.
