Information Warfare Conducted By Armed Groups In Mexico

Cartels have used propaganda for decades to help them achieve their goals. They use messaging to improve and amplify their image among the local populations, disparage and taunt their enemies, and threaten and intimidate the government at all levels. How cartels get the information they want out is as varied as the messages themselves. Here, we will look into how cartels control the information space to win the hearts of locals, put fear into the minds of their enemies, and sow distrust of the government when their goals don’t align.

The most common and oldest method that cartels have used is narcomantas. These banners made professionally or ad hoc, have been hung from overpasses or laid over corpses. At times the message can be a threat to rivals, accusations of corruption of governmental employees, or justification to the people for actions taken by them. This methodology has become synonymous with narco culture and has seen widespread use by the various cartels in Mexico. It is an extremely effective method of broadcasting messages and authorities typically quickly remove them to prevent their intended use amongst the population.

In an attempt to make sure attention is given to narcomantas, cartels have been known to alert news publications to their placement, ensuring the message is spread to the local population and rival groups alike. During a post-capture interview Jesús Acosta Guerrero 'El 35,' a leader of the 'La Línea' armed wing of the 'Juarez Cartel,' would detail his role in the placement of narcopintas or graffiti and narcomantas throughout Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and state their intended purpose.

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