Mexico’s Multi-Cartel Offensive in Michoacán Exposes Deep Governance Failures

Mexico’s government has launched an ambitious offensive against at least twelve active drug cartels in the western state of Michoacán. This intensified security operation follows the brutal murders of Uruapan's mayor Carlos Manzo and key agricultural leader Bernardo Bravo—murders that underscore a grim reality: Mexican authorities continue to grapple with entrenched criminal networks undermining rule of law. Can Mexico Restore Order Amidst Cartel Fragmentation? The offensive was orchestrated during a high-level meeting at Morelia’s XXI Military Zone including top officials from the federal Security Secretariat, Defense, Navy, Guardia Nacional, and local government leaders. The scope covers a dozen identified criminal...