5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Gulf of California Cartel Territory

Key Takeaways

• A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Gulf of California, followed by two smaller tremors
• The region is both seismically active and a major drug trafficking route for cartels
• US is reportedly considering ground operations and drone strikes against cartels in Mexico

A significant 5.6 magnitude earthquake rattled the Gulf of California on Thursday, striking a region known for both seismic activity and cartel operations. The US Geological Survey recorded the quake 47 miles from Santa Rosalía, following two smaller tremors earlier that day.

Earthquake Details and Geological Context

The earthquake measured 5.6 in magnitude and occurred at 7:04am ET. It was preceded by two smaller tremors measuring 4.4 and 4.6 magnitude. Only a few dozen people reported feeling the shaking, likely because the seismic activity occurred in the middle of the Gulf.

Mexico’s position atop three major tectonic plates—the North American, Pacific and Cocos plates—makes it one of the world’s most seismically active countries. The subduction of the Cocos plate beneath the North American plate creates the Middle American Trench and fuels both earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Cartel Operations in the Affected Region

The Gulf of California serves as a key trafficking route for the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Cartels use the area to transport drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as migrants, into the United States.

The Sinaloa Cartel, historically led by Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, employs small, fast boats called ‘lanchas’ to navigate the Gulf undetected. They also utilize tunnels and other clandestine methods while engaging in violent turf wars to maintain control.

Potential US Military Response

According to NBC News sources, the Trump administration is considering sending US troops to Mexico in an escalated campaign against drug cartels. The plans would include ground operations inside Mexico and drone strikes targeting drug labs and cartel leaders.

If approved, this would significantly expand the administration’s existing military campaign against drug cartels, which has previously focused on Venezuela and Colombia. So far, 64 people have been killed in 15 strikes that began in early September.

While past US administrations have quietly supported Mexican forces, current plans would involve more direct action—potentially even without Mexican cooperation. However, officials indicate that deployment to Mexico is not imminent, with details about troop numbers and timeline still unclear.