ZETAS BREAK SILENCE

ARTICLE: http://www.newschannel5.tv/2006/5/22/7820/Zetas-break-silence

Monday, May 22, 2006

Excerpt:
Members of the infamous border drug gang detail their activities, both in Mexico and the United States...
The Zeta arsenal could make the group attractive to other groups, like al-Qaeda or the Mara Salvatruchas. When asked about their ties to terror groups, Zeta-1 said he would "not respond very well if they have any relations with terrorists." But, he did acknowledge a tie with the MS-13. They don't work together." " But there are some of the Maras inside the organization."

ANALYSIS:
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Zetas, they are a group of former Mexican soldiers part of the G.A.F.E., which is a Mexican acronym that means Airmobile Special Forces Group. They were originally trained by the U.S. Army in counter drug operations. Some have since thrown off the bonds of duty to country, and have hired themselves out to the Gulf Cartel. The Gulf Cartel is a notorious organized criminal gang profiting from the smuggling and distribution of drugs through the eastern portion of the Texas/Mexico border centered on Nuevo Laredo. The gang is headed by Osiel Cardenas-Guillen, who is now in prison. However, the Zetas continue wreak havoc freely. Here is a link to a video of a recent firefight the police had with the Zetas.
It is important to note the increasing number of reports indicating MS-13 member involvement with the Mexican Cartels, and the Zetas. Increasing cooperation could be an indication of the direction that MS-13 is evolving. Currently, MS-13 would not be described by most as "organized crime". They are usually classified as a street gang and thought of as young men who are into low level crimes, protecting turf, etc., not highly organized. Although, some level of organization exists, I think most would agree that they are by comparison much less organized than the Gulf Cartel, which is highly organized.

This article reported by local news in Texas hints at a potential increase in the level of organization and training of MS-13 members. The article focuses on an interview with two anonymous Zetas who largely talk about the types of murder and torture the Zetas have engaged in. The Zetas also confirm that there are members of MS-13 who are part of the Gulf Cartel. Only time will tell, whether MS-13 will develop into a fully developed international criminal syndicate, However, MS-13 members operating as part of one, indicate a strong move in that direction. It could only be a matter of time before members of MS-13 seek to organize their own disparate cliques and contacts scattered throughout the US into an organization similar to the Gulf Cartel. There is also the possibility that more advanced military tactics, techniques, and procedures could cross pollinate from the Zetas to MS-13 members.