Targeting of Cartel Del Noreste Leaders by U.S. Treasury
The U.S. Department of the Treasury targeted two leaders of the Cartel Del Noreste faction of Los Zetas, freezing their assets and prohibiting business with them due to terrorist activities including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder in Mexico and the U.S.
Key Points
- CDN-Los Zetas engaged in terrorist activities targeting U.S. citizens and Mexican communities
- Cartel controls Nuevo Laredo and operates in multiple Mexican states
- Linked to mass disappearances and violence against innocent victims
- Individuals targeted are high-ranking leaders involved in weapons trafficking
- Terror-style attack on U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo in 2022
Pros
- Disrupting the operations of a dangerous terrorist organization
- Sending a strong message against drug trafficking and violence
Cons
- Potential retaliation from the cartel
- Complexity of international efforts to combat organized crime