U.S. Ambassador compares drug cartels to Al Qaeda during 9/11 commemorations

The United States and Mexico marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks with commemorative ceremonies. In Mexico, the U.S. Ambassador Ronald Johnson led a ceremony at the embassy, which included laying floral offerings and observing a minute of silence to honor the victims.

During the event, Ambassador Johnson drew parallels between modern drug cartels and terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda. He defended the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, arguing that these groups use murder, violence, corruption, and intimidation to control communities and impose their will through fear. He emphasized that while terrorist methods and networks evolve, the fundamental threat to free societies remains the same.

The September 11 attacks, which occurred in 2001, involved the hijacking of four commercial aircraft. Two planes struck the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, causing both buildings to collapse. A third plane hit the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a fourth crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to regain control.