In a recent article published by the Russian newspaper 'Vzglyad', political science professor Gevorg Mirzayan discusses the implications of the assassination of 'El Mencho', one of Mexico's most notorious drug lords. According to the article, this operation, conducted by Mexican security forces on February 22, was initially perceived as a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against drug crime. 'El Mencho', considered a major figure in global drug trafficking, was highlighted by Mike Vigil, a former U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration official, as one of the key gang leaders in history.

The report emphasizes that the elimination of 'El Mencho' is not merely a tactical victory for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who since taking office in October 2024 has rejected the 'conciliation' policy of her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Instead, she has declared an open war on organized crime, marking a shift in Mexico's approach to drug cartels. This decisive action against a prominent figure in narco-trafficking signals Sheinbaum's intent to confront the challenges posed by these criminal organizations head-on, rather than opting for negotiation.

However, Mirzayan warns that while the killing of 'El Mencho' may appear as a notable tactical win, it does not necessarily confer any strategic advantage to the Mexican government. The full consequences of this event could be severe, as the power vacuum created by his elimination might lead to increased violence and instability within Mexico, indicating that the fight against drug cartels is far from over and may escalate in the coming times.