Catastrophic Gulf Cartel Attack on Cananea

On May 15, 2007, the Gulf Cartel, led by a figure known as 'El 2000', launched a daring plan to infiltrate Cananea, Sonora, an area under the control of the Sinaloa Cartel. This attack was part of the escalating war on drug trafficking in Mexico that began in 2006, aiming to destabilize the region due to its strategic proximity to the U.S. border, which is pivotal for drug and arms trafficking. In a shocking move, 50 gunmen from the Gulf Cartel crossed 300 kilometers undetected by police, highlighting significant complicity and negligence within security forces. Upon reaching Cananea, they executed a series of kidnappings and murders, instilling terror among the local population and authorities who were caught off-guard, while the Sonora governor expressed outrage at the inaction. The subsequent confrontation resulted in a tragic toll of 22 deaths, including five police officers, brutally reminding everyone of the impunity and power of organized crime. This event not only marked a crucial point in the escalating violence related to drug trafficking but also exposed the corruption and complicity at high levels of police. The legacy of this attack lingers in Cananea, where fear and violence continue to prevail.