BDF Bolsters Northern Border Security Amid Cartel Threat

The Belize Defence Force (BDF) is increasing its security presence along the northern border with Mexico in response to a growing threat from the Caborca Cartel. BDF Commander, Brigadier General Azariel Loria, announced the move following a meeting with senior security officials to discuss the recent surge in gang violence in the nearby Mexican city of Chetumal.

Why this matters: The increasing presence of cartels in Belize poses a significant threat to regional security and stability, with potential implications for tourism and economic development in the region. If left unchecked, cartel activity could lead to further violence and instability, affecting not only Belize but also its neighboring countries.

The decision comes after a banner circulated on social media, purportedly from the Caborca Cartel, claiming that the "turf" at the "Hondo river and the Free Zone in Belize is theirs." Commissioner of Police Chester Williams confirmed that Belizean authorities are aware of cartel operatives in the country. "We know that we do have operatives in Belize who are on the side of the cartels, we know that," Williams stated.

General Loria emphasized that the BDF has been conducting operations since May 2023 to combat the cartel's influence. "We have been conducting operations from last year in May, June, July thereabout and we continue to do so and most naturally if the Mexican Armed Forces bolster their security in Quintana Roo in the state of Chetumal we have to ensure that our security presence is increased," he said.

The general acknowledged that while the BDF may not have all the assets required to fully address the threat, joint operations with the Belize Police Department will help improve their ability to combat the cartel's influence. "Certainly we don't have all the assets that we would require, that we wish that we would have there. Hence the reason we work joint interagency with the other security elements," Loria explained.

The increased security measures come as Chetumal has seen a spike in violent crime, including the broad daylight murder of a businessman and an active duty police officer on busy city streets. In response, the Mexican government deployed an additional 200 military personnel to the city earlier this week to assist local authorities.

The surge in cartel activity has raised concerns among Belizeans, with many avoiding travel to Chetumal for leisure and business. Oscar Arnold, Belize's Ambassador to Mexico, attributes the violence to a feud between rival gangs. The potential impact on tourism dollars from Belize is a growing worry, as Chetumal falls within the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, a popular destination for travelers.

As the BDF and police department work to secure the northern border, Commissioner Williams stressed the importance of targeting known cartel associates in Belize. "Another important thing that we must do is to make sure that those persons in Belize who we know are operatives of the cartel, we have to ensure that we maintain constant presence on them in the sense of doing operations, searching and these sort of things to make them not be comfortable to want to bring anybody over to Belize,"he stated. The increased patrols and bolstered security presence aim to prevent the cartel threat from spilling over into Belizean territory and reassure the public of their safety.

Key Takeaways

• Belize Defence Force increases security presence along northern border with Mexico due to Caborca Cartel threat.
• Cartel activity poses significant threat to regional security, tourism, and economic development.
• BDF Commander confirms cartel operatives are present in Belize, with joint operations planned with police.
• Mexican city of Chetumal sees surge in violent crime, prompting deployment of additional military personnel.
• Belize authorities aim to prevent cartel threat from spilling over into Belizean territory.