Explosives and the Rise of Criminal Engineering in Mexico

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.

The landmines used by these criminal groups closely resemble the "simple mines." These compact devices, with a diameter of 80 mm and weighing less than 100 kilograms, can cause devastating injuries when triggered by a pressure of 2 to 6 kilograms, such as the weight of a human foot. The resulting shock wave inflicts severe harm, including severed limbs, and can project lethal effects within a radius of 1 to 2 meters. In some cases, the consequences extend even further, albeit rarely.

Let's take a closer look at some recent incidents to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Michoacán has become a hotbed for landmine-related violence. In February 2022, authorities deactivated approximately 250 antipersonnel mines after one tragically claimed the life of a farmer. These mines posed a direct threat to both civilians and the military, leading to heightened tensions in the region.

Similarly, in June 2023, a devastating explosion occurred in Apatzingán, Michoacán, where an anti-personnel mine wreaked havoc, injuring eight soldiers and destroying an army truck. The incident took place in a gap between the towns of Las Bateas and El Tepetate, adding to the mounting casualties inflicted by these improvised devices.

Not to be outdone, Jalisco has also experienced the destructive impact of landmines. In July 2023, the municipality of Tlajomulco was rocked by an explosion that claimed the lives of six people, including civilians, ministers, and municipal police. Astonishingly, seven out of eight planted landmines detonated, leaving behind a grim aftermath. The incident underscores the indiscriminate nature of these weapons, with hired assassins triggering the explosives upon the arrival of authorities and civilians who had been led to the scene under pretenses.

As if landmines weren't harrowing enough, criminal organizations in Mexico have taken a page from the terrorist handbook by resorting to car bombs, a chilling tactic that has become all too familiar in conflict-ridden regions.

In April 2019, the town of Xaltianguis in Acapulco fell victim to a car bomb attack aimed at self-defense groups. The explosive device shattered the tranquility of the port city, serving as a stark reminder of the widening range of weaponry at the disposal of criminal organizations.

March 2020 witnessed another brazen car bomb attack in Celaya, Guanajuato when a vehicle laden with explosives detonated just meters away from the National Guard headquarters. The audacity of the act sought to intimidate and instill fear, as criminal groups sought to challenge the very institutions tasked with maintaining law and order.

Hidalgo was not spared from the onslaught either. In December 2021, a daring commando orchestrated a prison break in Tula, employing car bombs to escape authorities. The audacious act resulted in the removal of nine inmates and left the authorities reeling, highlighting the extent of the criminal groups' reach and sophistication.

The most recent incident occurred in June 2023, on the Celaya-Salvatierra highway in Guanajuato, where a car bomb injured at least ten members of the National Guard. The attack served as a stark reminder that criminal organizations in Mexico are willing to resort to extreme measures, jeopardizing not only innocent lives but also the safety of those entrusted with protecting the public.

In a technologically driven world, criminal organizations have also exploited the advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to devastating effect. These groups have ingeniously modified commercially available drones, often purchased from online marketplaces like Amazon, to carry explosive payloads. By attaching a plastic cup as a makeshift parachute and adding a remotely controlled hook mechanism, these drones can effectively drop explosives on selected targets.

In May 2022, the CJNG flaunted its deadly capabilities by launching over 20 explosive-laden drones against self-defense groups in Tepalcatepec, Michoacán. The brazen display of firepower sent shockwaves through the region and underscored the need for authorities to confront this new wave of criminal tactics.

July 2023 witnessed yet another drone attack, this time in Apatzingán, Michoacán, resulting in injuries and material damage. Homes in the town of Loma de Los Hoyos were targeted, leaving residents in constant fear and authorities grappling with the challenges posed by these airborne threats.

As criminal organizations in Mexico continue to adopt tactics reminiscent of terrorists and guerrillas, the repercussions for society are dire. The use of landmines, car bombs, and explosive drones highlights the evolving nature of organized crime, as these groups seek to gain an upper hand in their battles for dominance. The indiscriminate nature of these weapons poses a grave threat to both combatants and civilians, blurring the lines between traditional warfare and criminality.

To effectively combat this menace, Mexican authorities must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing intelligence capabilities, improving border security, and increasing international cooperation. Furthermore, tackling the root causes of organized crime, such as social inequality and limited economic opportunities, can help reduce the appeal of criminal activities for vulnerable populations.

As Mexico grapples with these deadly innovations, it is crucial for society to remain vigilant and united against the forces of organized crime. The path to a safer and more secure Mexico lies in the unwavering determination to confront these criminal elements and preserve the well-being of its citizens. Only by taking decisive action can Mexico reclaim its streets from the clutches of violence and secure a brighter future for generations to come.