Ms-13, Hezbollah and Mexican Drug Cartels

Introduction

To the average citizen there may not be a clear confection between transnational street gangs such as MS-13 and terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah. This connection may also seem farfetched. How could a street gang located in cities in the united states have a connection with a Lebanese terrorist organization? Moreover, what common goals could they both have? MS-13 is clearly a criminal gang interested in drug trafficking, human trafficking and other criminal behaviors. Hezbollah is interested in the destruction of Israel and furthering their Islamic beliefs. These two groups can and do further each others objectives by undermining united states domestic policy, financing terror through drug and human trafficking, and cooperating with Mexican drug cartels.

MS-13

            The MS-13 gangs within the United Stated have grown in popularity and members since their inception in the 1980s. Originally formed by Salvadorian refugees in Los Angeles, MS-13 has grown nationwide including America’s heartland. MS-13 gang activity has been noted in Boston, Providence, Miami, Omaha, Houston, and many other American cities. It is estimated that membership of MS-13 might be as high as 30000 gang members.

            MS-13 is a fully functional level 3 transnational gang. Not only are members located in America, they are located in Mexico, El Salvador, Columbia, Canada, Honduras, and other countries. Members of MS-13 display no allegiance to any country which is evident by their extreme criminal activity. Members traffic drugs, weapons, and personnel across national boundaries. They receive instructions and orders from gang members in other countries. They even receive instructions and orders from gang members that are incarcerated in other countries.

            While members of MS-13 are focused on criminal activities vice terrorist activities, their criminal activities create a domestic disturbance, it undermines the rule of law, it creates civil unrest, and can be used to aid terrorist activities. It is very well known that drug trafficking aids many terrorist groups financially, and MS-13 aids cartels and terrorists in this way. Money received from drugs sold by MS-13 in America can easily be sent to cartels in Mexico or Columbia which may have ties to terrorist groups.   

Hezbollah, Mexico and Venezuela