SUMMARY

Los Zetas – Velazquez Caballero faction was a group that splintered from Los Zetas in March 2012. The faction was led by Ivan “El Taliban” Velazquez Caballero also called “Z-50”, who was a leader within the cartel and a regional boss for parts of Los Zetas “plazas” and drug trafficking routes. Velazquez Caballero accused one of Los Zetas highest ranking leaders Miguel “Z-40” Ángel Treviño Morales, of having betrayed several other Los Zetas leaders in order to increase his own power. Treviño Morales had enjoyed the support of the then leader of Los Zetas, Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano, and was one his closest associates, however, it was unclear whether Lazcano was aware of Treviño Morales alleged aspirations to take over the cartel at this time.

After clashing with Los Zetas for several months in 2012 Velazquez Caballero was arrested on 26 September 2012 and his faction announced that they were to join Los Zeta’s main enemy, the Gulf Cartel. Heriberto Lazcano Lazcano was killed by the Mexican Navy in October 2012 and Treviño Morales took over the leadership of Los Zetas.

Los Zetas – Velazquez Caballero faction has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP violence.