The escalating violence in Mexico has taken an alarming turn as the Mexican army has acknowledged for the first time that some of its soldiers have been killed by drones operated by drug cartels. This revelation highlights a disturbing evolution in the methods used by cartels, especially in the western state of Michoacan, where infamous groups like the Jalisco cartel have been battling for control.
Defense Secretary Gen. Luis Cresencio Sandoval confirmed this development on August 2, 2024, revealing that while exact figures on the casualties were not disclosed, the existence of drone-drop bomb attacks has been a reality that the army can no longer ignore. "Our personnel have suffered wounds, and some of our troops have even died" from these assaults, he stated, reflecting the gravity and unprecedented nature of this threat.
Previously, the army had acknowledged injuries inflicted by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Michoacan, a region often described as a war zone due to the violent turf wars between drug cartels. It is estimated that in the past year, the Mexican army has faced over 260 incidents involving drone-bombings, a significant leap from past confrontations. In addition, cartels are equipping their drones with specially made mechanisms to drop bombs, raising the stakes in this long-standing struggle.
In his address, Sandoval noted that although bomb-dropped drone attacks have gained notoriety, the army still encounters a larger number of traditional roadside bombs. This indicates that while new methods are being employed, many tactics remain unchanged. As a countermeasure, the military is investing in anti-drone technology to protect its ongoing reconnaissance and patrolling missions, a necessity given the evolving battlefield dynamics.
Michoacan, the site of intense cartel conflicts, has witnessed violence from cartels employing roadside bombs, hand-crafted armored vehicles, sniper rifles, and now aerial bombardments from drones. The Jalisco cartel, in particular, has become notorious for integrating these small but lethal aerial devices into their operations. Last year, authorities even discovered a workshop producing bomb casings for their aerial attacks, underscoring the calculated and strategic nature of this violence.
This escalation in tactics has shifted the landscape of cartel violence in Mexico. Academic experts and analysts suggest that the adoption of drone technology signifies a troubling trend in organized crime where cartels increasingly mimic state military capabilities. The incidents reported reflect a siege-like mindset among some cartel factions, employing advanced technology to assert control over territories.
In a previous instance, in August 2023, the defense department documented a total of 42 individuals wounded by IEDs in the initial seven months of the year, marking a stark increase from the mere 16 recorded throughout all of 2022. The increase in violent confrontations has been attributed to the relentless competition between the Jalisco cartel and local gangs, each striving to dominate the lucrative drug trade.
Compounding the situation, the navy of Mexico recently announced further tragic news: two military helicopter crews lost their lives during a chase of cocaine-smuggling boats in the Pacific Ocean earlier this year. This adds to the long list of military and civilian casualties tied to the ongoing cartel violence in Mexico.
The situation is dire. Citizens in Michoacan report daily occurrences of drone attacks, presenting a pressing issue not only for military personnel but also for the civilians who reside in these conflict-ridden areas. As violence rises, the army appears caught in an arms race against groups that are growing more sophisticated in their use of technology.
Additionally, this violence crosses borders, as acknowledged by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which has reported that the deadly reach of the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels extends into U.S. communities. This connection emphasizes the need for international cooperation in combating drug trafficking and the violence that often accompanies it. The DEA pointed out that combined, these cartels are responsible for creating a public health crisis in the United States, linked directly to escalating overdose deaths.
Another serious episode emerged recently when federal law enforcement officials apprehended 12 traffickers associated with the Jalisco cartel in Del Rio, Texas. These individuals were involved in coordinating the transport of significant quantities of liquid methamphetamine into the U.S., valued at nearly $10 million. Sentences ranged from 4.5 to 40 years, illustrating the severity with which authorities are treating these offenses.
In the political arena, former President Donald Trump has weighed in, stating that strikes against Mexican drug cartels are "absolutely" an option as the American public continues to suffer from the effects of drug-related violence and overdoses. His comments tap into ongoing discussions about how best to address the increasing reach and impact of these criminal organizations.
The situation in Michoacan is emblematic of a larger issue gripping Mexico, as the conflict continues to escalate between state forces and organized crime. The acknowledgment of cartel-based drone attacks not only reflects the ongoing struggle but also points to the growing need for new strategies to combat these technologically savvy and well-armed criminal factions.
Moving forward, the Mexican government faces a multitude of challenges, from protecting its soldiers and citizens to finding effective ways to counter the advanced tactics employed by drug cartels. The international community watches closely, understanding that developments in Mexico's security landscape have implications that extend far beyond its borders.