Feb 24 • 12:45 UTC 🇺🇸 USA Fox News

Rescue team heading to Mexico to free American tourists trapped amid cartel violence

Grey Bull Rescue has initiated operation 'Condor Reach' to evacuate American tourists caught in cartel violence in Mexico following the death of cartel leader El Mencho.

Grey Bull Rescue, a crisis response group, has undertaken operation 'Condor Reach' to assist Americans stranded in Mexico due to escalating violence from the Jalisco New Generation cartel. This surge of unrest follows the recent death of the cartel's leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as 'El Mencho', prompting the nonprofit to act in what they describe as a war-zone level response. According to the organization's founder, Bryan Stern, who is a combat veteran himself, the situation requires a nuanced approach since the violence is predominantly controlled by the cartel, which operates as both an army and a business.

Stern emphasized that a political solution is essential in resolving the chaos instigated by the cartels, pointing out the limitation of military efforts by the Mexican government to effectively counter the powerful drug trafficking groups. He noted that historically, peace does not arise from violence but rather through negotiation and settlement, suggesting that the dynamics of the cartels complicate the potential for a straightforward resolution. The Grey Bull Rescue team was deployed on Monday, and their operation represents a critical attempt to safeguard American lives amid increasing violence in the region.

The implications of this rescue mission extend beyond the immediate safety of the tourists; they raise questions about the ability of the Mexican government to maintain control in areas heavily influenced by drug cartels and the U.S. government's role in addressing violence that spills over to its citizens. As the situation develops, it could lead to broader discussions about U.S.-Mexico relations and how both nations handle the persistent threat of organized crime.

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