In a tragic incident that underscores the escalating violence in Mexico’s drug war, two soldiers were killed, and five others wounded by an improvised land mine believed to be planted by a drug cartel in the western state of Michoacán. Acknowledging the increasing sophistication of these tactics, Mexico’s defense secretary, Gen. Ricardo Trevilla, noted that this incident marked a continuation of a troubling trend where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have claimed the lives of six soldiers since 2018. While Trevilla did not specify the exact means in which these soldiers were killed, evidence suggests that both drone-delivered bombs and traditional roadside bombs have been used by criminal organizations in Mexico.
The deadly attack occurred when the military patrol, dispatched to investigate reports of armed cartel presence, encountered what appeared to be a cartel encampment. Upon approaching the area, soldiers discovered three dismembered bodies, indicating the grim reality of violence in the region. However, as they moved closer, they triggered a buried explosive device, resulting in the casualties. This particular device, described as “very rustic” by Trevilla, is reportedly similar to the makeshift bombs that have become all too common in cartel-related confrontations, highlighting the perilous environment that Mexican armed forces face amidst ongoing turf wars between drug factions.
Michoacán has been a focal point in the violent struggle between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and local gangs such as the Viagras, an umbrella group referred to as the United Cartels. The conflict has escalated to the point where these groups employ a range of militarized tactics, from the deployment of roadside bombs and trenches to homemade armored vehicles and sniper rifles. The geographical and political landscape of Michoacán, often characterized by rural terrain and inadequate law enforcement, has made it an ideal battleground for these organized crime syndicates, further complicating the Mexican government’s attempts to regain control.
The rising casualty rates among military personnel serving in the region pose significant questions about the effectiveness and strategies of the Mexican armed forces. The August acknowledgment by the army of casualties resulting from drone strikes reflects a significant shift in the nature of cartel warfare; it indicates that organized crime groups are adapting and employing more advanced military tactics. Reports have indicated that between January and mid-2023, 42 soldiers, police, and suspected criminals were reported injured due to IEDs, revealing an alarming increase from previous years and underscoring the escalating danger on the ground.
In response to the worsening situation, Mexican authorities continue to grapple with the dual challenges of combating well-armed drug cartels while minimizing the risks to soldiers and civilian populations alike. The Mexican government’s ongoing military engagement in areas dominated by cartel violence has drawn criticism, with many observers questioning the ethics and effectiveness of such military strategies. Furthermore, the militarization of drug enforcement raises concerns about accountability, as soldiers navigate through complex environments rife with ambush tactics employed by their adversaries.
Amid these challenges, the Mexican military remains committeed to confronting organized crime with the expectation that a coordinated and aggressive response can deter cartel activity and restore security to affected regions. However, the recent fatalities and the use of IEDs highlight the brutal reality of warfare against these criminal organizations. The resilience of these drug cartels, particularly illustrated through the implementation of booby traps and the sophisticated use of explosive devices, indicates that the battle against them will require not only tactical innovations but also a broader reevaluation of security strategies in Mexico’s ongoing war on drugs.