ASSESSMENTS

Mexican Cartel Poised to Launch an Offensive for Control of Monterrey

Mar 22, 2019 | 20:28 GMT

Soldiers in February 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico, at the scene of drug violence.

Soldiers in February 2012 in Monterrey, Mexico, at the scene of drug violence.

(Julio Cesar Aguilar/AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

  • The Cartel del Noreste appears poised to launch a push to seize control of Monterrey, Mexico's third-largest metropolitan area and a major regional business hub.
  • This could lead to a significant escalation of violence in areas where many companies and organizations have interests, and where many of their employees live.
  • Competing extortion demands would also present businesses in the region with a dangerous conundrum.

The Cartel del Noreste, the remnant of the Los Zetas cartel that controls the lucrative Nuevo Laredo smuggling plaza, has taken actions over the past week suggesting it is preparing a push to seize control of Monterrey, Mexico's third-largest metropolitan area and a major regional business hub. Such an offensive would likely meet resistance from the groups currently in the area and so would involve significant violence -- something businesses with interests in the area should prepare for....

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