Droneros colombianos entrenan a cárteles en explosivos
Mexican Cartels Turn to Colombian veterans for Explosive Expertise
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Mexican drug cartels are increasingly turning to former Colombian military personnel and guerilla fighters for training in explosives and drone warfare, escalating the violence in their ongoing turf wars.
The Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel are both actively recruiting individuals with specialized combat skills,particularly those experienced in the manufacture and deployment of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for drones and landmines.This tactic, already employed in the bloody conflict between the factions of “Los Chapitos” and “Los mayos” in Sinaloa, is raising concerns among authorities.
Federal officials have uncovered evidence of ex-military personnel and former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) providing training to cartel members in the use of explosives, drone technology, and mine placement. This training is aimed at bolstering the cartels’ capabilities in their fight for control of territory and drug trafficking routes.
“The use of explosives, particularly in the form of ieds, is a risky escalation in cartel violence,” said a source within the federal goverment, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Thes tactics are reminiscent of conflicts in other parts of the world and pose a serious threat to both civilians and law enforcement.”
The CJNG, in particular, has established training camps in remote mountainous regions along the border, where former Colombian combatants are instructing cartel members in the use of explosives and guerilla warfare tactics.
The increasing sophistication of cartel tactics, including the use of drones and IEDs, highlights the growing threat posed by these criminal organizations. Authorities are working to counter these developments, but the recruitment of experienced foreign fighters presents a significant challenge.
Colombian Ex-Soldiers Caught in Mexican cartel Crossfire
Michoacán, Mexico – A disturbing trend is emerging in Mexico’s ongoing drug war: the recruitment of Colombian ex-soldiers and guerilla fighters by powerful cartels. These veterans, lured by promises of lucrative work or drawn by the allure of conflict, are being used to train cartel members in explosives and guerilla warfare tactics.
The Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán, a hotbed of cartel activity, has become a focal point for this phenomenon. Authorities say the region is teeming with Colombian ex-combatants, many of whom are abandoned or disappear after their usefulness to the cartels wanes.
“We’ve seen a significant increase in the presence of Colombian ex-soldiers in michoacán,” said a high-ranking official with the Mexican National guard, speaking on condition of anonymity. “They are highly skilled in explosives and guerilla tactics,making them valuable assets to these criminal organizations.”
The official pointed to recent arrests in Buenavista Tomatlán,a municipality bordering Jalisco and considered a hub for Colombian ex-combatants. in 2023, authorities dismantled a cell of eight Colombians who were manufacturing explosives for Los Viagras, a cartel now allied with the powerful Jalisco New generation Cartel (CJNG).
One of the arrested individuals, Elkin Pérez Loaiza, known as “El Tigre,” was a former Colombian soldier with expertise in intelligence and explosives.He reportedly trained cartel hitmen in the use of drones armed with explosives, which were deployed against rival gangs like Los Caballeros Templarios and the criminal group led by Juan José Farías Álvarez, known as “el Abuelo.”
The use of drones armed with explosives is a growing concern for Mexican authorities. In January, a clandestine explosives factory was discovered in Zicuirán, a community controlled by a CJNG-affiliated cell. The factory was equipped to produce bombs for drones, mines, and homemade grenades.
The CJNG, Sinaloa Cartel, and Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel have all been implicated in using explosive-laden drones against security forces in Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán. michoacán has recorded the highest number of such attacks against the Mexican Army.
the situation highlights the evolving tactics employed by Mexican cartels,who are increasingly turning to foreign expertise to bolster their arsenals and combat rivals. The plight of Colombian ex-soldiers caught in this crossfire raises serious concerns about human rights and the international implications of Mexico’s drug war.
Mexican Cartels Turn to Weaponized Drones, Forcing Military Response
Tepalcatepec, Michoacán – A surge in attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) launched by drones has forced the Mexican military to bolster its defenses. The alarming trend, particularly prevalent in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán, has already claimed the lives of four soldiers in a March 2024 attack in Tepalcatepec.
The mexican Defense Secretariat revealed that by March, they had confiscated nearly 1,000 IEDs from criminal organizations operating in the region. This alarming statistic highlights the growing sophistication and danger posed by these groups.
In response, the Mexican Army is preparing to acquire specialized equipment designed to counter the threat of weaponized drones and landmines. The Michoacán State Public Security Secretariat has already implemented an anti-drone system consisting of a cannon, signal jammer, and radio dialog device.
This escalation in tactics is not new. In 2021, the Mexican attorney General’s office apprehended two alleged members of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, Diego “J” and Rogelio “L,” who were identified as pioneers in the use of explosive-laden drones against rival cartel members.
The FGR examination revealed that the duo specialized in crafting bombs specifically designed for deployment via drones. This growth marked a disturbing shift in the ongoing cartel conflict, raising concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and the destabilization of the region.
Mexican Cartels Recruit Colombian Veterans, Escalating Violence with Explosives Expertise
Mexico City, Mexico – NewsDirectory3.com presents an exclusive interview with Dr. Sofia Herrera, a leading security analyst and expert on Mexican cartels, regarding teh alarming trend of Mexican drug cartels recruiting Colombian veterans for explosive and drone warfare training.
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Herrera, recent reports indicate a concerning advancement in the Mexican drug war – the involvement of former Colombian military and guerrilla fighters. Can you elaborate on this trend and its implications?
Dr. Herrera: Indeed, this is a worrying evolution. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel are actively seeking out individuals with specialized combat experience, especially in explosives, drones, and mine placement. We’ve seen evidence of former FARC members and ex-Colombian military personnel training cartel members in these deadly tactics.
NewsDirectory3: what seems to be motivating these Colombian veterans to join Mexican cartels?
Dr. Herrera: It’s a complex issue. Some are undoubtedly lured by the promise of significant financial rewards offered by cartels known for their wealth. Others might be drawn to the perceived excitement or sense of purpose, reminiscent of their past experiences in conflict zones.Regrettably,the allure of easy money and action can be powerful,notably for those struggling to reintegrate into civilian life after conflict.
NewsDirectory3: The use of IEDs and drones is a significant escalation in cartel violence. What are the potential consequences of these tactics?
Dr. Herrera: This is deeply troubling. IEDs and drone warfare dramatically increase the lethality and indiscriminateness of cartel attacks, posing a severe threat not only to law enforcement but also to innocent civilians.This type of asymmetric warfare has devastating consequences for communities caught in the crossfire.
NewsDirectory3: How are Mexican authorities responding to this new threat?
Dr. Herrera: Authorities are aware of the danger and are working to counter this trend. However, the recruitment of experienced foreign fighters presents a unique challenge.Identifying and dismantling these training camps, which often operate in remote and unfriendly territory, is incredibly challenging. International cooperation with Colombia is crucial to address the root causes and prevent further recruitment.
NewsDirectory3: What message would you like to convey to the international community regarding this situation?
dr.Herrera: The situation in Mexico demands urgent attention. The escalating violence and the involvement of foreign fighters have severe implications for regional and even global security.We need a coordinated and extensive response that addresses the underlying factors driving cartel activity, including poverty, corruption, and the demand for illicit drugs. Ignoring this crisis will only allow it to fester and spread its destructive influence.
This interview sheds light on a critical issue with far-reaching consequences. NewsDirectory3.com will continue to monitor developments in this story and provide in-depth coverage of the ongoing drug war in Mexico.