In a move that shocked the world, a joint secret force of Mexican and American special forces announced that their operation to capture the infamous Drug Lord, Joaquin “El Capo” Guzman, had been a success. After years of planning and near misses, one of the biggest cartels terrorizing Mexico and importing heavy narcotics to the United States had been brought to their knees. However, this move didn’t happen in a vacuum, rather it has fallen in line with the citizenry recent drive to oust the stranglehold these criminals have on their country or regions. This agitation has been personified in the armed Vigilantes, who have pushed the threat of death aside to reclaim their liberty, property, and life.
This Drug War has been years in the making, starting when former President Felipe Calderon vowed to fight the cartels. With the government dedicated to the struggle, the unauthorized soldiers have gained a new found sense of purpose and allies. While at one time the police target these vigilantes, now they have been given more leeway to wage their unofficial battles—with some officers even considering legalizing their status.
Even though it will be a long and hard fight, already claiming 100,000 lives, these militiamen are neither afraid or nervous about the possibility of death. CNN spoke to one of the men in the middle of the conflict, named Mora, who repeated this sentiment. “I am not afraid. We are all going to die anyway.” When one factors in this mentality, it isn’t hard to see why they have seen some serious successes in states like Michoacan, where vigilantes have driven out the Knights Templar cartel.
