“Turf war Mexico” refers to the violent conflicts between various drug cartels competing for control of territory and illicit markets in Mexico

. These wars, which became particularly intense after the government’s anti-drug campaign began in 2006, contribute to high homicide rates and have led to significant violence and displacement in affected areas. Major cartels like the Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation, Gulf, and Zetas frequently clash, with shifts in alliances and leadership further fueling the violence. 

• Definition: In criminology, a turf war is a conflict between criminal organizations for control of a specific geographic area or market, and in Mexico, this primarily involves drug cartels.
• Escalation: While violence existed before, the current phase of intense turf wars is largely seen as beginning with the Mexican government’s crackdown on cartels starting in December 2006.
• Impact: These conflicts are highly violent, leading to high homicide rates and significant violence in regions where cartels fight for control. For example, the death of a leader led to a turf war that caused over 95% of a town’s population to flee, according to research.
• Key Players: Major cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Gulf Cartel, and Los Zetas are the primary entities involved in these conflicts.
• Fluctuating Alliances: The relationships between cartels are not static; alliances shift, and events like the capture of a leader can trigger new and intensified conflicts between previously rival groups.
• Government Response: The government has been involved in counter-narcotics efforts, but despite these actions, gang-fueled violence has continued, and homicide rates have remained high.