Mexico’s new vigilantes: “Los Matazetas” - Zeta Killers

Last weekend a new national security headache suddenly presented itself here: the possibility that the relentless acts of narco-violence in this country have led or will lead to groups of vigilantes determined to take the law into their own hands. In a video clip widely distributed since it first appeared on September 25, five masked and hooded men, dressed in black, are seated at a long table like the judges of a court. They imperiously announce that they are "Los Matazetas" – the Zeta Killers.

The Zetas ("Zs") are arguably Mexico’s most feared drug cartel, known for particularly horrific acts of violence against competitors, security forces and innocent bystanders alike. When they first appeared on the scene several years ago, Los Zetas were alleged to be composed primarily of former Mexican military members, although today that may be less true. In any case Los Zetas control places like Veracruz, where at least 49 bodies were dumped on public streets last week, as well as the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s luxurious Caribbean Gold Coast. They are also a powerful force in Monterrey, in Nuevo Leon state, where a casino was attacked on August 25 killing 52 people. There are multiple posts below on the current security challenges in Monterrey and Quintana Roo.

In their video "press conference" the Zeta Killers announced that they are the "armed force of the people," and that their "sole objective is to finish off the Zetas, so that society will be safe." They added, "We will never commit acts of extortion, we will never kidnap, we fully respect all federal, state and local authority in their struggle against organized crime. If by our acts we offend some, we ask for your understanding; we simply want the people of Veracruz to know that the scourge of violence which they are experiencing is not invincible."

Mexican officials did not return the compliments, and quickly announced that they are launching an investigation into the video, which was posted on the internet. Several emphasized that Mexico has no room for vigilantism, and that the government alone has the right to enforce the law and deal with criminals. Some even suggested that the bodies tossed out in Veracruz last week may be Zetas executed by Los Matazetas.