Explosives and the Rise of Criminal Engineering in Mexico

Mexico faces a chilling escalation of violence as organized crime groups adopt tactics resembling terrorists. Landmines, car bombs, and explosive drones terrorize civilians and authorities. A united front is needed to confront this menace and secure a safer future.

Explosives and the Rise of Criminal Engineering in Mexico
Grenade, a dangerous weapon employed by criminal organizations to sow terror and control in their territories. Image by jftben Müller from Pixabay

When it comes to criminal organizations, Mexico has witnessed a disturbing trend in recent years: the adoption of tactics reminiscent of guerrillas or terrorists from the Middle East and Africa. No longer satisfied with bullets and grenades, these criminal syndicates have embraced a more sinister arsenal, including landmines, car bombs, and even explosive drones. These developments mark a dangerous escalation in the tactics employed by these groups, posing significant threats to authorities, rival cartels, and innocent civilians alike.

While the use of landmines has been globally condemned, with 164 countries, including Mexico, signing the "Ottawa Treaty" in 1997 to prohibit their use, criminal organizations have disregarded international norms and planted these deadly devices in their territories. In Mexico, the Jalisco Cartel - New Generation (CJNG) has particularly asserted its dominance in areas such as Jalisco and Michoacán, where the latest incidents involving landmines have been reported, according to security reports.