Recent data from the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) reveals a 41.1% increase in military deaths during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency in Mexico. Between December 1, 2018, and September 30, 2024, 261 military personnel lost their lives due to various causes, including firearm assaults and vehicle accidents.
Compared to previous administrations, López Obrador saw a 26.9% decrease in military deaths from drug trafficking and firearms laws enforcement. However, the numbers fluctuated throughout his term, with highs in 2021 and 2023.
Key Regions
Across 27 states in Mexico, military deaths were recorded, with Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, and Michoacán reporting the highest numbers. Firearm assaults were the leading cause of fatalities, followed by vehicle accidents and illnesses.
While some states reported minimal or no deaths, the overall data highlights the challenges faced by military forces in maintaining security and combatting organized crime in Mexico.
With ongoing security issues and increasing incidents, the statistics raise concerns about the safety and effectiveness of military operations under López Obrador’s administration.