Report: Los Zetas is the Most Powerful Cartel

Borderland Beat

 

Note: The following is the translation  narrative of the video at the conclusion of this post.   To read the report link to Stratfor using the link at the bottom of this post.  Remember, republishing an article is not necessarily the opinion of the BB reporter, and in this case I would disagree with  the analysis in part, however the majority of the report presents sound information that would benefit readers...Paz, Chivis 

 

Zetas are the most powerful criminal organization of Mexico, according to a report from the Stratfor.

The cartel, one of the most bloodthirsty in  the country, has been benefitted from the division of the criminal organizations on the first trimester of the year according to the report published this week.

The report titled "Mexico's Drug War: Balkanization Leads to Regional Challenges", makes an in-depth analysis of the five most important criminal groups in Mexico: The Zetas, Sinaloa Federation, CDG, CJNG and the Knights Templar.

The analysis evaluates the most important events related to organized crime in the last three months and explains the Mexican cartels have followed a trend of fracturing. This trend, which we are referring to as balkanization has existed for more than two decades and affects all of the criminal groups in Mexico.

 

The report that foresees an increase of violence in western Chihuahua, northern Sinaloa, Jalisco and northern Sonora, states: Zetas are currently the most powerful cartel in Mexico. They were formed when they split off from the Gulf Cartel in 2010, however both groups maintained homogeneous and growing, although the reports warn that the most important risks for both organizations is the split between CJNG and Sinaloa Federation.
 

The report points out the increase in operational capabilities of CJNG and Knights Templar during the first trimester of 2013.  In the struggle for the routes of drug trafficking towards the United States, the organization of the Beltran Leyva is isolated from the conflict between the Zetas and the Sinaloa Federation.

The report also points out the breakup of the Beltran Leyva Cartel into several groups: Independent Cartel of Acapulco in Guerrero, Los Rojos and Guerreros Unidos in Morelos.

The fragmentation is not reversing, at least not in the next few years says the trimester report. While the Zetas and the Sinaloa Federation continue to face new rivals and internal ruptures, their resources have not decrease.

Both cartels continue to extend their drug trafficking operations on an international level, increasing their influence and their profits. However, they will continue to confront within new reality, in which they are forced to collaborate with or fight with other groups, explains the report authored by Tristan Reed.

This balkanization in the spheres of organized crime,  is determined by Stratfor, the security consultant, and represents new regional challenges to cartels, who  with this  trend are forced to work with  groups or otherwise war against them.

About the Zetas, it emphasizes the risk of losing Hidalgo, their old inquiry, by the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar has made significant progress although violence has not increase, besides the Zetas continue a struggle with CDG for territories such as Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas since 2010.

According to Stratford, the Zetas will face in 2013, a lack of leadership. .continues next page

Sinaloa Cartel face constantly disputes for the control of the routes and the cultivation areas, against La Linea. In Chihuahua, so far, they have control over Los Mochis and Guasave, north of Sinaloa. It also continues with violent incursions against Zetas in Mazatlan, Concordia and Rosario, south of Sinaloa.

Internal violence between cartels in mountainous regions of Chihuahua continues at the same time that the people of Joaquin Guzman Loera “El Chapo” fight against La Linea for the control of the routes and the cultivation areas. On the other hand, the group known as Los Mazatlecos has maintained control over the plazas of the northern cities of Sinaloa such as Los Mochis and Guasave. However it has continued the violent incursions into southern cities such as Mazatlan, Concordia and Rosario,  with the support of the Zetas.

Stratfor analysis emphasizes on the danger that represents CJNG, which after being allied with Sinaloa Cartel, it became financially and operational independent conduct offensives against allies of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, such as Los Coroneles, The Knights Templar and CDG.

Stratfor predicts the decline of CDG at least in the next few months. The death of Cardenas Guillen divides CDG into 2 factions: Los Rojos and Los Metros. On the first trimester of 2013, the internal struggles had clashed between the leaders of Los Metros: Mario Pelon Ramirez Trevino, David aka El Metro 4 and Miguel El Gringo Villarreal. CDG is the most fractured organization and no longer consists of just two opposite sides. However, Stratfor attributes the control of the Gulf Cartel and the majority of its factions to Mario Ramirez Trevino.

If Ramirez Trevino has really won, violence will decrease, at least in Reynosa.

The influence of external organizations such as Los Zetas, Sinaloa Federation or the Knights Templar sparks violence; it also informs that CDG factions are becoming more reliant on the support of Sinaloa Cartel and the Knights Templar to defend Tamaulipas from the Zetas.

The report indicates that the Knights Templar will maintain control over Michoacán and will defend it from any intrusion.  Stratfor points out that the citizens of Buenavista, Tomatlan created a community police to defend the operations of the Knights Templar at least in that community, although the appearance of the community police might also benefit the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion, finalized the consultant.

To read Stratfor

Stratfor : Mexico's Drug War: Balkanization Leads to Regional Challenges | Stratfor