Why Los Zetas Were the Most Brutal Cartel in Mexico
Los Zetas stand out as one of the most brutal and indiscriminate cartels during the Mexican drug war. Unlike other cartels like the Sinaloa or the CJNG, who tend to target rivals or those who pose a direct threat, Los Zetas have earned a reputation for their unparalleled cruelty and lack of restraint. This article explores the key factors that made Los Zetas more severe and violent than other cartels.
Uniquely Brutal Tactics
Los Zetas are known for their brutal methods, often forcing uninvolved civilians to fight to the death or subjecting them to torturous deaths. These tactics seem to be employed not just for practical reasons, but also for sending messages or for personal enjoyment. The methods used by Los Zetas go beyond simple execution and go into the realm of sadistic torture and psychological warfare. In contrast, other cartels, like the Sinaloa or CJNG, often chose to eliminate their targets through more efficient and less personal methods, such as shootings or beheadings.
Political Support and Northeast Mexico
Los Zetas managed to establish a formidable presence in the northeastern regions of Mexico, turning what was once peaceful areas into battlegrounds. The emergence of Los Zetas as a powerful force led to even states like Monterrey, known for its stability, to face significant disruptions. Tony Tormenta and his Cartel del Golfo played a crucial role in the early days of Los Zetas, but as Los Zetas took over, the region descended into chaos. Their ability to transform a region into a war zone highlights the level of control and influence Los Zetas wielded.
Military Training and Special Forces
A key factor in the brutality of Los Zetas is their highly trained membership. The founders of Los Zetas were originally members of the Grupo Aerotransportado de Fuerzas Especiales (GAFES), a unit that receives training from the U.S. Army through the School of the Americas (now known as the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation). This military training not only equipped Los Zetas with advanced skills in combat and tactics but also instilled a sense of discipline and loyalty that contributed to their effectiveness in executing violent operations.
The Dark Turn Under Z-40
After breaking off from the Gulf Cartel in 2010, Los Zetas took a frighteningly dark turn under the leadership of Miguel Trevio Morales, known as Z-40. Stories from those days paint a dark picture of the group's methods and attitudes. In late 2011, Los Zetas carried out a brutal recruitment process in Tamaulipas, where they stopped buses and kidnapped passengers. These kidnapped individuals were then subjected to grueling 'gladiator contests,' where they were forced to fight to the death.
A witness described the scene: 'He said, "Those who survive will work for Los Zetas, those who don't, they're fucked."
Another chilling quote from the survivor: 'Meanwhile, the Zetas on the bus ordered the attractive women off and took them to one of the sheds to be raped. The less attractive women on the bus were shot dead right there, but the children were taken away. In the shed, I could hear the women being beaten and raped. The children were thrown in barrels of acid, alive.'
Such methods were not just a one-time occurrence but became part of their modus operandi. The killing and torture of civilians, including children, demonstrate the extreme level of horror and violence that Los Zetas practiced.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Los Zetas
Los Zetas were not just a powerful cartel; they were a symbol of the widespread violence and brutality that characterized the Mexican drug war. Their use of terror and violence against civilians set them apart from other cartels and made them a fearsome and notorious force in the region. The legacy of Los Zetas is a dark reminder of the depths of cruelty that can be reached during such turbulent times.