Five men were decapitated after being murdered by Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) members during a lengthy offensive in Tepalcatepec The powerful and notoriously violent cartel began an attack in the Tierra Caliente municipality on Tuesday evening and remained on the offensive late on Wednesday The CJNG initially tried to take control of the city of Tepalcatepec but its incursion was met with resistance from residents and the National Guard Two National Guard members and a resident were wounded in the clash but were reported in stable condition after receiving medical treatment The CJNG subsequently switched its focus to the community of La Estanzuela located near the border between Tepalcatepec and the Jalisco municipality of Jilotlán Municipal authorities reported that five men manning a checkpoint designed to keep criminal groups out disappeared during the cartel’s offensive in the area The authorities said CJNG sicarios called family members of the five men from their cell phones to advise they had beheaded them A young man who witnessed the attack said his grandfather He said the cartel members first shot the men dead before cutting their heads off He said he was able to hide and avoid the assault after the cartel members detonated explosives carried by a drone prior to the direct attack on the men The witness said the armed men took the slain men’s heads as “trophies.” the CJNG circulated audio messages threatening to kill Tepalcatepec residents Nothing but [members of the] four letter [cartel] We’re going to kill all of you,” one recording said The CJNG has been trying to take control of the city of Tepalcatepec since August 2019. In September of that year it published a video to social media urging citizens to run Juan José “El Abuelo” Farías out of town Farías is a former self-defense force leader who is now allegedly a leader of Los Viagras crime gang which is engaged in a bitter turf war with the CJNG in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán Attendees at a virtual security conference this week warned that the armed conflict between the two cartels will only escalate without federal intervention Headed by Michoacán native Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes – one of the DEA’s most wanted fugitives – the CJNG has previously carried out lengthy offensives in Michoacán aimed at seizing control of territory from rival criminals and authorities It has taken control of several ranches and communities in Tepalcatepec this year With reports from El Universal  ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC While former President Felipe Calderón made Michoacán the original epicenter of the war against the cartels, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador essentially gave up on tackling them, writes Vanda Felbab-Brown, which has neither lessened violence, nor reduced cartel repression and brazenness. This piece was originally published by Mexico Today The military offensive of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in the Tierra Caliente in mid-September is only the latest demonstration of the unrestrained brazenness of the Mexican criminal market It is all the more poignant that the Cartel’s broad-daylight military-style offensive to seize a municipality took place in Michoacán the state has been a major drug trafficking hub and since 2006 the symbol of Mexico’s anti-crime policies But while former President Felipe Calderón made Michoacán the original epicenter of the war against the cartels President Andrés Manuel López Obrador essentially gave up on tackling them the absence of a central government policy to confront the cartels has neither lessened violence in Mexico nor reduced CJNG repression and brazenness As President López Obrador continues to ignore the war-like violence the people of Michoacán continue to suffer it switched its immediate effort to take over a nearby community of La Estanzuela Its failed attack against Tepalcatepec will most unlikely be its last attack against the town which it has sought to seize since August 2019 CJNG took over several communities and ranches in the Tepalcatepec municipality The brazen blatantly-visible nature of the offensive against Tepalcatepec is significant The Cartel could have simply attempted to take over the town’s legal and illegal markets through a quiet clandestine campaign of assassinating members of Cárteles Unidos and the militias affiliated with them and of local officials even more so than the Zetas a decade ago and far more so than its principal rival CJNG relishes acting as a de facto nonstate army The military-style attack on Tepalcatepec was not necessary for accomplishing the objective CJNG seeks to operate not just in the underground; it wants its territorial and economic rule to be fully visible to all CJNG has tried to establish a criminal primary in Michoacán and the Tierra Caliente more broadly — a place rich with the production of methamphetamine and extorsion rackets targeting any economic activity from Oxxo convenience stores to avocado farmers to mining companies a former self-defense militia group leader and now presumably a leader of the crime group Los Viagras CJNG has also been a pioneer in the use of new technologies diffused to nonstate armed actors, particularly drones. It uses drones not just for surveillance and drug deliveries, but also for attacks. In its latest campaign in Tepalcatepec, its drones have dropped bombs not only on rival group checkpoints, but also apparently on rural populations more broadly This aerial bombardment has been one factor leading to large internal displacement in Michoacán in recent months enabling CJNG gunmen to enter and seize communities emptied of local populations only makes sense for CNJG in particularly valuable strategic military or smuggling locations or areas where land is valuable and the stolen acres can be sold for avocado plantations or mining since overall CNJG income depends on “taxing”  the economic activities of local populations Along with CJNG, other intimidation and the violence among the various criminal groups has led to the internal displacement of thousands of the Michoacán people and the forced disappearances of hundreds CJNG has similarly tried to intimidate and coopt local municipal and state officials as well as security actors – from the weak municipal police to state police and even deployed military and Guardia Nacional units CJNG is merely building and pushing to more extreme limits tactics long practiced by other criminal groups in Michoacán on one of my research trips to Michoacán’s Tierra Caliente I was told the following story: After recent elections several pickup trucks loaded with men armed with assault weapons pulled up next to the house of the recently elected new mayor They entered his house and told him that all law enforcement action by municipal police forces would have to be cleared with the cartel and directed only against its rivals and 20 percent of all public spending in the municipality would have to be handed over to the cartel; otherwise Although the mayor informed state authorities in the capital of Morelia they failed to provide him any meaningful support: No state police officers were stationed in the municipality (it would take them at least two days to get there during a violent action to investigate a particularly egregious murder if fuel happened to be available.) Several days later the mayor received a message from a rival criminal group not to obey the first cartel and to hand a portion of public spending to them instead His sense apparently was that he could absolutely not trust the municipal police to defend him as he considered it to be infiltrated by at least one of the criminal groups unlike during elections in decades past when Mexican politicians initiated and dictated the terms of the electoral services of criminal groups to their campaigns it is now the criminal groups that frequently select their political candidates and dictate the terms of the deal However, the persisting criminal violence in Mexico after elections, including in Michoacán, also shows that the electoral bargains that Mexican criminal groups strike with politicians are inadequate for  dividing turfs and protecting their criminal incomes. Amidst the continually fluid, contested, and out-of-control criminal market in Mexico such alliances provide merely temporary advantages and have not been sufficient to determine victories and the establishment of stable turfs and balances of power The very fragmented multipolar criminal market is as unstable as the local Mexican political arrangements and merely makes local politicians and security officials targets and new actors in the criminal contestation Nor is the municipality of Tepalcatepec the only municipality in Michoacan and the Tierra Caliente suffering the CJNG onslaught and the apathy and criminal cooptation of the Mexican security and elected officials and Apatzingán have similarly been attacked and controlled for months or years Is the López Obrador administration ever going to wake up to its responsibility for confronting the cartels and protecting local populations and state institutions or will it continue to hope that the criminal groups themselves will eventually settle their territorial and political turf wars and thus the violence will subside even as local populations and state and political institutions are captured by vicious criminals But the prosecutions mostly fell through and they had no deterrence effects whatever in the state or beyond All incapacitation and deterrence effects will be undermined and lost if the López Obrador government continues to be uninterested in confronting the violent firepower of criminal groups and leaves local politicians and territories at the mercy of criminal groups Seven days after nine people were killed in confrontations between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and citizens of Tepalcatepec army troops have been deployed to prevent further violence in the municipality Michoacán Government Secretary Carlos Hernández Tello said that the deployment is being coordinated between the three levels of government “We are in permanent dialogue with Mayor Felipe Martínez supporting him and making sure that Tepalcatepec remains calm,” he said “All levels of government are doing what’s necessary to support the efforts of the municipal government.” The security forces have set up checkpoints around Tepalcatepec and are closely monitoring the parts of the municipality that border the state of Jalisco They have also started intelligence work in the neighboring municipalities of Buenavista Tepalcatepec has been the scene of a conflict between the CJNG and another armed group presumed to be led by Juan José Farías Álvarez known as “El Abuelo,” or “The Grandfather.” the CJNG released a video in which it spoke of a plan to attack the municipality and the “Cartel del Abuelo.” around 1,000 people marched for peace in Tepalcatepec a spokesperson for the Social Movement for Peace asked Michoacán Governor Silvano Aureoles for proof that the self-defense group is a criminal organization led by Farías “If he really has proof that we are a town of criminals The mayor has also denied that Farías is involved in crime Source: Milenio (sp), Excélsior (sp) Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #46: Weaponized Drones (Aerial Improvised Explosive Devices) Deployed by CJNG in Tepalcatepec The Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) is alleged to have attempted to deploy two weaponsized drones with C4 or similar type explosives against their rivals—the Carteles Unidos (United Cartels)—in Tepalcatepec Michoacán on 25 July 2020.  The weaponized drones were not successfully deployed and were found by a local self-defense group (autodefensas) known as El grupo de autodefensa en Tepalcatepec Key Information: “Jalisco cartel adopts new tactic: drones armed with C-4 explosive.” Mexico News Daily. 18 August 2020, https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/jalisco-cartel-adopts-new-tactic-drones-armed-with-c-4-explosive/: reports finding two drones inside an armored car that cartel hitmen had abandoned after an attempted raid on the city The C4 was packed with ball bearings to serve as shrapnel in Tupperware-like containers that were equipped with a remote detonation system and duct-taped to the drones The drones were found in a cardboard box that was soaked in blood indicating to the militia members that whoever was intending to fly the drones was injured before they could be launched The new tactic represents the cartel’s determination to wrest control of the western Michoacán municipality from the self-defense militia and an evolution of their air attack strategy the cartel used small planes to drop explosives on Tepalcatepec but after authorities increased aerial surveillance in the region the CJNG opted for drones Key Information: “CJNG ataca con narcodrones; autodefensas de Tepalcatepec detallan su uso.” Noticeros Televisa, 18 August 2020, https://noticieros.televisa.com/ultimas-noticias/cjng-ataca-con-narcodrones-autodefensas-de-tepalcatepec-michoacan-detallan-su-uso/: El Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación está usando drones profesionales con C4 “Esto es lo que dejo el Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación esta es la bomba C4 que iba conectada aquí comentó un integrante del grupo de Autodefensa en Tepalcatepec integrantes del Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación intentaron ingresar a Tepalcatepec donde se enfrentaron al grupo de Autodefensa de ese municipio michoacano que colinda con Jalisco observaron que los sicarios del cártel jalisco abandonaron dos drones y cuatro explosivos C4 en el lugar del enfrentamiento.[1] Key Information: “CJNG usa drones con explosivos C4 y balines como forma de ataque.” El Universal. 18 August 2020, https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/cjng-usa-drones-con-explosivos-c4-y-balines-como-forma-de-ataque: revelaron que tras un enfrentamiento hallaron dos drones y cuatro explosivos por lo cual pudieron ver como la organización criminal fabrica estas nuevas armas solo fijando las bombas con cinta metálica de uso industrial al dron se ha visto asolada por la organización criminal desde el 25 julio pasado fecha en que han atacado a las autodefensas de Tepalcatepec para tratar de hacerse con el control del territorio Cabe destacar que no es la primera vez que la organización criminal de “El Mencho” emplea esta táctica de ataque con vehículos aéreos pues la Fiscalía General de  la República (FGR) inició en mayo pasado una carpeta de investigación contra el CJNG.por delito de delincuencia organizada con la finalidad de cometer terrorismo mismos que presuntamente también fueron usados en Guanajuato por el Cártel.[2] Key Information: “Drones con explosivos, la más reciente arma del CJNG para atacar desde el aire.” Infobae. 14 August 2020, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2020/08/15/drones-con-explosivos-la-mas-reciente-arma-del-cjng-para-atacar-desde-el-aire/: El Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) encontró un nuevo uso a los drones: un arma para atacar a quienes considera sus enemigos… …Los drones son cargados con el explosivo C4 y balines de metal conectados a un sistema de detonación a distancia los integrantes del Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación aún no saben utilizar con precisión los artefactos Los autodefensas buscan la manera de detectar los drones que sobrevuelan el cielo de esta comunidad ubicada en la zona conocida como Tierra Caliente Key Information: “Qué hay detrás de los supuestos drones con explosivos “asegurados” en Tepalcatepec.” Noventa Grados (90o). 14 August 2020, http://www.noventagrados.com.mx/seguridad/que-hay-detras-de-los-supuestos-drones-con-explosivos-asegurados-en-tepalcatepec.htm: miembros de la asociación delictiva Carteles Unidos han asegurado tener en su poder drones con explosivos que atribuyen al Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación; este anuncio -dado hace más de un mes y que en las últimas horas ha cobrado relevancia- parece ser una pieza más de la campaña de desinformación que realizan los grupos criminales con el afán de debilitar a sus enemigos causando consternación entre la población… Fue luego del ataque del CJNG a la comunidad La Estanzuela que se conoció la primera publicación en redes sociales en la que simpatizantes de Carteles Unidos (asociación integrada por Los Viagras Caballeros Templarios y Blancos de Troya) aseguraban haber localizado un dron con explosivos… En la publicación se mostraba un dron modelo DJI Mavic 2 Zoom con un precio de alrededor de 40 mil pesos en  lo que parece una caja rectangular color café En la fotografía también se apreciaba un rollo de cinta metálica.[4] Key Information:  Juan Manuel González, “Con drones, CJNG busca erradicar a rivales en Tierra Caliente.” La Silla Rota. 12 August 2020, https://lasillarota.com/estados/con-drones-cjng-busca-erradicar-a-rivales-en-tierra-caliente-michoacan-drones-cjng-mencho/423494: Con fusiles de asalto, Barrett calibre .50 y lanzagranadas utiliza drones cargados con explosivosC4 para buscar asesinar a la población La vigilancia armada de las comunidades en esa parte colindante con Jalisco también acotó la irrupción del crimen organizado a sus pueblos que el CJNG perpetraba nuevos ataques contra los pobladores de Tepalcatepec provenientes de sus centros de operaciones en Jalisco desde donde lanzaban artefactos cargados con explosivo C4 cuyo acceso es exclusivo de fuerzas militares.[5] Who: Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) What: Weaponized commercial off-the-shelf drone; Mavic 2 Zoom allegedly armed with C4 (or similar type) explosives and ball bearing type projectiles in plastic containers Two drones and four IED payloads in plastic containers were recovered.  Why: Aerial assault; attempted attack on rival cartel A weaponized drone—a Mavic 2 Zoom quadcopter with an IED payload—was found in a field by El grupo de autodefensa en Tepalcatepec forces (a self-defense group) on 25 July 2020 in Tepalcatepec Michoacán.[6] This resulted in their then discovering an abandoned armored vehicle belonging to Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) operatives Within that vehicle a bloody cardboard box containing another Mavic 2 Zoom quadcopter and three more ‘IED payloads’ consisting of clear plastic boxes containing apparent C4 explosives and industrial ball bearings (functioning as shrapnel) was secured.Apparently the CJNG operators were involved in an attack upon competing Carteles Unidos (United Cartels) personnel but (it is surmised) were forced to abandon their mission due to their injuries and/or vehicular inoperability.[7] Video imagery of the captured weaponized drones and IED components can be found at: Specific information pertaining to the IED design and effects related to drone weaponization—along with imagery forensics—follows.[8] There are four (4) plastic containers that were discovered at the site.  One of these containers is shown in Image 1 with the payload duct taped to the drone’s fuselage.  Two of the containers discovered (with the blue locking latches) are general storage containers Image 1: Payload attached to drone’s fuselage These particular containers have an internal volume of 0.3-liters (10.14 oz.).  The two remaining containers with the green lids are unknown generic sealable food containers that possess a slightly lower internal volume.  The payloads of all of the containers contain industrial ball bearings of at least two sizes and a plastic explosive that has been identified in a number of reports and videos as Composition C-4.  However the color of the explosive within the containers does not match the color any of the normal C-4 composition grades in production (Image 3) Image 3: Interior contents of payload containers match very closely to one of the grades of Semtex explosives.  Composition C-4 is somewhat prevalent throughout Mexico and the auto-defense force providing the interview and information for the videos may have assumed that it was C4 rather than Semtex.  The distinction may have far more value from an intelligence viewpoint as both Composition C-4 and several grades of Semtex have very similar performance characteristics The shrapnel that the bomb makers are using here are industrial ball bearings that have been salvaged from full bearing assemblies.  Industrial ball bearings The bearings within the containers are of various sizes including 3/8-inch (9.52mm) and ½-inch (12.7mm).  This package would be devastating at a reasonably close range It appears that the plastic explosive may have been shaped (contoured) within the containers prior to inserting the ball bearings (Image 3) The Mavic 2 Zoom Drone shown in Image 1 has the payload package secured to it via duct tape.  This creates a relatively simple attack system.  The effective deployment range of this drone for such an attack is limited.  While the Mavic 2 generally has a maximum flight range of approximately 12-miles (with no additional payload factored in) its maximum video transmission range about is 5-statute miles (8.04 km.) under relatively good weather conditions.  The operators will require that video to locate their intended target.  The payload package if delivered as configured as in the first photograph One of the containers shown in Image 4 has been cut away on one end with the lid still intact.  This container also has black electrical tape wrapped over part of the lid and body.  The ball bearings and plastic explosive appear to be packaged within a small gray retail type plastic bag It has been placed within the container opening and is held there apparently by friction only.  It is possible that the cartel was conducting experiments at this site in order to determine the feasibility of air dropping the payload by pitching the drone forward over a potential target; thus saving the drone for future attack The format of the container that is attached to the drone in Image 1 is again different that the other containers  It appears that the cartel operatives have stabilized (fixed) the ball bearing payload within the container using what appears to injectable foam that will harden enough to retain the contents in an exact position it would have been impossible for even a similar sized mil-spec drone to lift payloads of the approximate weight that we are seeing here now they have become readily available to virtually anyone.  The skill curve that exists in order to successfully maneuver modern drones and is extremely low.  On-board microprocessors and embedded flight control sensors do the majority of the work.  Drones possessing this type of technology are already in a special asymmetric threat category that requires special defense measures and early interdiction to be successful Criminal cartels in Mexico—in particular the CJNG—are continuing to experiment with the weaponization of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) drones to target their adversaries the attack was interrupted or aborted.  It can be expected that cartels will continue their experiments with weaponized aerial drones and that this experimentation will yield more sophisticated devices and refined TTPs (tactics In recognition of the increasing cartel weaponized drone threat in Mexico per information obtained by El Universal in September 2020 now “plans to employ an anti-drone system costing 215.7 million pesos (about $9.6 million)” to monitor and disable such systems.[9] “CJNG ataca con narcodrones; autodefensas de Tepalcatepec detallan su uso.” Noticeros Televisa. 18 August 2020, https://noticieros.televisa.com/ultimas-noticias/cjng-ataca-con-narcodrones-autodefensas-de-tepalcatepec-michoacan-detallan-su-uso/ “CJNG usa drones con explosivos C4 y balines como forma de ataque.” El Universal. 18 August 2020, https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/cjng-usa-drones-con-explosivos-c4-y-balines-como-forma-de-ataque “Drones con explosivos, la más reciente arma del CJNG para atacar desde el aire.” Infobae. 14 August 2020, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2020/08/15/drones-con-explosivos-la-mas-reciente-arma-del-cjng-para-atacar-desde-el-aire/ Juan Manuel González, “Con drones, CJNG busca erradicar a rivales en Tierra Caliente.” La Silla Rota. 12 August 2020, https://lasillarota.com/estados/con-drones-cjng-busca-erradicar-a-rivales-en-tierra-caliente-michoacan-drones-cjng-mencho/423494 “Jalisco cartel adopts new tactic: drones armed with C-4 explosive.” Mexico News Daily. 18 August 2020, https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/jalisco-cartel-adopts-new-tactic-drones-armed-with-c-4-explosive/ “Qué hay detrás de los supuestos drones con explosivos “asegurados” en Tepalcatepec.” Noventa Grados (90o). 14 August 2020, http://www.noventagrados.com.mx/seguridad/que-hay-detras-de-los-supuestos-drones-con-explosivos-asegurados-en-tepalcatepec.htm Significance: Aerial Improvised Explosive Devices (A-IED) the title reads: “CJNG attacks with narcodrones; Tepalcatepec self-defense groups detail their use.”  The text reads: “The Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) [CJNG] is using professional drones with C4 an explosive for military use.” … “’This is what the Jalisco New Generation Cartel left this is the C4 bomb that was connected here with this tape,’ commented a member of the Self-Defense group in Tepalcatepec members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel tried to enter Tepalcatepec where they confronted the Self-Defense group of that Michoacán municipality bordering Jalisco.” … “After the skirmish the armed men of Tepalcatepec observed that the Jalisco cartel hitmen abandoned two drones and four C4 explosives at the scene of the confrontation.” the title reads: “CJNG uses drones with C4 explosives and pellets as a form of attack.”  The text reads: “In an interview the region’s self-defense groups revealed that after a confrontation they found two drones and four explosives so they could see how the criminal organization manufactures these new weapons only fixing the bombs with metal tape for industrial use to the drone.” …  “And it is this hot land region that has been ravaged by the criminal organization since last July 25 the date on which they attacked the self-defense groups in Tepalcatepec to try to gain control of the territory.” …  “It should be noted that this is not the first time that “El Mencho’s  criminal organization has used this aerial vehicle attack tactic since the Fiscalía General de la República (Attorney General’s Office) (FGR) opened an investigation against the CJNG last May for the offense of organized crime for the purpose of committing terrorism.” … “In May which were allegedly also used in by the cartel in Guanajuato.” the title reads: The text reads: “The Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación  (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) (CJNG) found a new use for drones: a weapon to attack those they consider their enemies” … “The drones are loaded with the C4 explosive and metal pellets connected to a remote detonation system.” … “For the town’s autodefensas [self-defense groups] the members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel still do not know how to use the devices with precision.” … “The self-defense groups are looking for a way to detect the drones that fly over the sky of this community located in the area known as Tierra Caliente [4] In English the title reads: “What is behind the alleged drones with explosives ‘secured’ in Tepalcatepec.”  The text reads: “In social networks members of the criminal association Carteles Unidos have claimed to have in their possession drones with explosives that they attribute to the Jalisco Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación  (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) [CJNG] This announcement – given more than a month ago and which has gained relevance in the last few hours – seems to be one more piece of the disinformation campaign carried out by criminal groups with the aim of weakening their enemies causing consternation among the population.” … “It was after the CJNG attack on the La Estanzuela community that the first publication on social networks in which sympathizers of Carteles Unidos(an association made up of Los Viagras Caballeros Templarios [Knights Templar] and the Blancos de Troy [Whites of Troy] claimed to have located a drone with explosives.” … “The publication showed a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom model drone [emphasis added] in what appears to be a rectangular brown box.” …  “The photograph also showed a roll of metal tape [duct tape]” CJNG seeks to eradicate rivals in Tierra Caliente.”  The text reads: “With assault rifles Barrett .50 caliber [rifles] and grenade launchers the CJNG attacks from the ground and also uses drones loaded with C4 explosives seeking to assassinate the population The armed community surveillance [autodefensas] in parts adjacent to Jalisco also limited the irruption of organized crime in their towns.” … “La Silla Rota announced that the CJNG was carrying out new attacks against the inhabitants of Tepalcatepec coming from their operations centers in Jalisco from where they were launching devices loaded with C4 explosives exclusively available to military forces.” [6] Juan Manuel González, “Con drones, CJNG busca erradicar a rivales en Tierra Caliente.” La Silla Rota. 12 August 2020, https://lasillarota.com/estados/con-drones-cjng-busca-erradicar-a-rivales-en-tierra-caliente-michoacan-drones-cjng-mencho/423494 This reporting is in variance with one of the incident images which shows both drones in the field together No imagery of the bloody cardboard box in which one of the drones and three of the IED payloads were discovered—or for that matter the abandoned armored SUV—exists Grupo La Silla Rota for providing permission in an email on 22 August 2020 for us to utilize their video imagery of the incident for this tactical note and follow on analytical and book products David A. Kuhn, Robert J. Bunker, and John P. Sullivan, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #45: Drones and Explosives Seized in Puebla, Mexico by Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) and Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA).” Small Wars Journal John P. Sullivan, Robert J. Bunker and David A. Kuhn, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #38: Armed Drone Targets the Baja California Public Safety Secretary’s Residence in Tecate, Mexico.” Small Wars Journal Robert J. Bunker and John P. Sullivan, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #35:  Weaponized Drone/UAV/UAS Seized in Valtierrilla, Guanajuato with Remote Detonation IED (‘Papa Bomba’) Payload.” Small Wars Journal John P. Sullivan and Robert J. Bunker, “Mexican Cartel Strategic Note No. 18: Narcodrones on the Border and Beyond.” Small Wars Journal Robert J. Bunker, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #21: Cartel Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).” Small Wars Journal Unlock exclusive members-only ad-free content SIGN ME UP ￫ 34: Anti-Vehicle Mine Targeting SEDENA Convoy between Tepalcatepec and Aguililla 31 January 2022 at approximately 1030 hours (10:30 am) a Mexican Army (SEDENA) convoy travelling on a dirt road in a remote area near Apatzingán drove over a landmine The vehicle was reportedly a ‘SandCat’ light armored vehicle (LAV) and up to four or more soldiers were said to be injured The area where the incident occurred is reportedly in territory contested by the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Cárteles Unidos (CU) Ejército Mexicano (Mexican Army) Vehicle Involved in Mine Attack Key Information: Miguel García, “Mina explota durante paso de convoy militar en Tepalcatepec, Michoacán.Excelsior. 31 January 2022, https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/mina-explota-durante-paso-de-convoy-militar-en-tepalcatepec-michoacan/1495985: Un camión blindado propiedad de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena) fue blanco de una mina explosiva, cuando un convoy militar patrullaba en brechas que comunican a Tepalcatepec con Aguililla el conductor del vehículo militar está muy grave a consecuencia del estallido De acuerdo con información generada en la 43 Zona Militar con sede en Apatzingán la explosión ocurrió cerca de las 10:30 horas en un camino cercano a Loma Blanca una comunidad ubicada muy cerca de los límites entre Tepalcatepec y Aguililla… fuerzas federales fueron atacados por un grupo armado; al repeler la agresión los soldados sometieron a 9 presuntos integrantes de la delincuencia organizada a quienes les decomisaron 9 armas largas y dos vehículos blindados uno de los cuales ostentaba la siglas de un Cártel asentado en Jalisco.[1] Key Information: “VIDEO | Explota mina a convoy militar en Tierra Caliente; hay al menos un soldado herido.” La Voz de Michoacán. 31 January 2022, https://www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx/seguridad/video-explota-mina-a-convoy-militar-en-tierra-caliente-hay-al-menos-un-soldado-herido/: un convoy militar realizaba recorridos de reconocimiento en una brecha de la región de Tierra Caliente cuando en un momento determinado un explosivo tipo mina detonó debajo de un vehículo tipo Sand Cat generando heridas de gravedad al menos a uno de los elementos Sobre el caso ha trascendido que los oficiales recorrían caminos agrestes en la periferia de Apatzingán cuando el artefacto que previamente habría sido colocado por criminales Un vehículo Sand Cat resultó severamente dañado tras el estallido y en su interior un elemento quedó con lesiones de consideración por lo que sus compañeros de armas de inmediato lo trasladaron a la 43 Zona Militar para su adecuada atención Médica.[2] Key Information: “Presuntos sicarios atacan con mina terrestre a Ejército en oeste de México.” Efe via Los Angeles Times. 31 January 2022, https://www.latimes.com/espanol/mexico/articulo/2022-01-31/presuntos-sicarios-atacan-con-mina-terrestre-a-ejercito-en-oeste-de-mexico: Presuntos sicarios al servicio del narcotráfico atacaron este lunes con una mina terrestre un convoy del Ejército Mexicano con sede en el municipio de Apatzingán –la principal población de la Tierra Caliente- informó que la explosión ocurrió la mañana de estee lunes en un camino de terracería ubicada entre los municipios de Aguililla La mina detonó al paso de un vehículo táctico blindado y artillado de manufactura mexicana y utilizado por el Ejército en operaciones de inteligencia y contra el crimen organizado La explosión provocó severos daños en la estructura del automotor y dejó heridos a cuatro soldados Key Information: “La violencia del narcotráfico, sin freno en el estado mexicano de Michoacán.” Efe via Los Angeles Times. 7 February 2022, https://www.latimes.com/espanol/mexico/articulo/2022-02-07/la-violencia-del-narcotrafico-sin-freno-en-el-estado-mexicano-de-michoacan: [L]a Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) investiga el uso y explosión de una mina terrestre contra el Ejército Mexicano en la llamada Tierra Caliente de Michoacán una zona de diez municipios que desde los años 80 han usado los narcos para producir drogas como marihuana estalló en un camino de terracería que conecta los municipios de Apatzingán y Tepalcatepec dejando seis soldados heridos y graves daños en un vehículo militar blindado tipo “sandcat” y de manufactura mexicana.[4] Key Information: “Siguen los enfrentamientos entre el CJNG y el Ejército en Michoacán.” Jalisco Rojo. 2 February 2022, https://jaliscorojo.com/2022/02/02/siguen-los-enfrentamientos-entre-el-cjng-y-el-ejercito-en-michoacan/: Una docena de soldados heridos y 15 detenidos han dejado los enfrentamientos de los últimos días en el municipio de Tepalcatepec en Michoacán Fuerzas federales avanzan para retomar el control de comunidades de la zona y se encuentran con grupos armados al parecer del CJNG los carteles ahora usan minas explosivas enterradas en los caminos para frenar a los rivales y autoridades y este lunes un vehículo sandcat del ejército sufrió daños y dejó lesiones a los uniformados al pasar por estos explosivos en un camino entre las comunidades de El Bejuco y Los Horcones This incident involves the use of an anti-vehicle landmine directed against a Mexican military convoy The incident resulted in damage to an Army LAV The direct attack against state forces has strategic significance The exact details of the targeting remain under investigation It is also unknown if the Ejército Mexicano (Mexican Army) convoy was explicitly targeted or whether the target was one of the competing cartels contesting the proximate region that the Cárteles Unidos (CU) did target a Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG vehicle) in early January 2021.[6] In addition another indications and warning (I&W) event concerning cartel landmine (improvised anti-vehicle mine – IAVM) deployment was identified as taking place in October 2021 Both of these I&W events involved CU and CJNG.[7] The use of anti-vehicle landmines against state forces (in this case the Army—a component of the Secretaría de Defensa Nacional or SEDENA) is significant While Mexican criminal armed groups (CAGs) have possessed anti-personnel mines for years the targeting of state forces with improvised anti-vehicle mines yielding injuries to military personnel raised the stature of this incident to one of strategic importance.[8][9] and agents of the Fiscalía General del Estado (Michoacán state prosecutor) conducted saturation patrols in the contested areas of the “Tierra Caliente” to reinforce the rule of law and restore social peace.[10] In related operations SEDENA detained 15 suspected CJNG members after the government forces were attacked—in four instances—with artisanal armored vehicles and stones.[11] These incidents (as well as similar CJNG attacks of government forces in recent month) demonstrated direct and sustained confrontation by the CJNG and the Government of Mexico (GoM).[12][13] This attack utilizing landmines (IAVMs) forms a notable data point in Mexico’s on-going criminal insurgencies Further tactical innovation and maturation of tactics and procedures (TTPs) along with technical means can be expected The CAGs participating in the crime wars in Michoacán (and other parts of Mexico) are engaged in sustained this situation has reached a level of intensity and is conducted by groups with the requisite organizational capacity to exercise effective command and control These are needed to categorize these situations as non-international armed conflict (NIACs) The existence of situations where CAGs exercise territorial control and directly confront the state necessitates a discussion of the legal and policy considerations needed to address the tactical and strategic implications of this reality.[14][15] Miguel García, “Mina explota durante paso de convoy militar en Tepalcatepec, Michoacán. Excelsior. 31 January 2022, https://www.excelsior.com.mx/nacional/mina-explota-durante-paso-de-convoy-militar-en-tepalcatepec-michoacan/1495985 “Presuntos sicarios atacan con mina terrestre a Ejército en oeste de México.” Efe via Los Angeles Times. 31 January 2022, https://www.latimes.com/espanol/mexico/articulo/2022-01-31/presuntos-sicarios-atacan-con-mina-terrestre-a-ejercito-en-oeste-de-mexico “Siguen los enfrentamientos entre el CJNG y el Ejército en Michoacán.” Jalisco Rojo. 2 February 2022, https://jaliscorojo.com/2022/02/02/siguen-los-enfrentamientos-entre-el-cjng-y-el-ejercito-en-michoacan/ “VIDEO | Explota mina a convoy militar en Tierra Caliente; hay al menos un soldado herido.” La Voz de Michoacán. 31 January 2022, https://www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx/seguridad/video-explota-mina-a-convoy-militar-en-tierra-caliente-hay-al-menos-un-soldado-herido/ “La violencia del narcotráfico, sin freno en el estado mexicano de Michoacán.” Efe via Los Angeles Times. 7 February 2022, https://www.latimes.com/espanol/mexico/articulo/2022-02-07/la-violencia-del-narcotrafico-sin-freno-en-el-estado-mexicano-de-michoacan the title reads: “Mine explodes during passage of military convoy in Tepalcatepec Michoacán.” The text reads: “An armored truck belonging to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) was the target of an explosive mine when a military convoy was patrolling on the roads that connect Tepalcatepec with Aguililla the driver of the military vehicle is in serious condition as a result of the explosion […] According to information generated by the 43rd Military Zone based in Apatzingán the explosion occurred around 1030 hours on a road near Loma Blanca a community located very close to the border between Tepalcatepec and Aguililla […] According to official sources this incident occurred very close to where federal forces were attacked by an armed group; in repelling the aggression the soldiers subdued 9 alleged members of organized crime from whom they seized 9 long arms and two armored vehicles one of which bore the initials of a cartel based in Jalisco the title reads: “VIDEO | Mine explodes at military convoy in Tierra Caliente; at least one soldier injured.” The text reads: “Apatzingán a military convoy was conducting reconnaissance patrols in a breach in the Tierra Caliente region when at a certain moment a mine-type explosive detonated under a SandCat vehicle causing serious injuries to at least one of the soldiers […] It has been reported that the officers were traveling through rough roads on the outskirts of Apatzingán which had been previously placed by criminals exploded as the armored vehicles passed by […] A SandCat vehicle was severely damaged after the explosion and an officer inside was left with serious injuries for which his comrades in arms immediately transferred him to the 43rd Military Zone for proper medical attention the title reads: “Suspected gunmen attack Army with land mine in western Mexico.” The text reads: “Suspected drug traffickers attacked a Mexican Army convoy with a landmine on Monday in the Tierra Caliente region one of the most convulsive areas of the country based in the municipality of Apatzingán—the main town in Tierra Caliente—reported that the explosion occurred on Monday morning on a dirt road located between the municipalities of Aguililla […] The mine detonated as a Mexican-made armored and artillery tactical vehicle used by the Army in intelligence operations and against organized crime mainly for the capture of drug traffickers […] The explosion caused severe damage to the structure of the vehicle and left four soldiers injured the title reads: “Drug violence unchecked in the Mexican state of Michoacán.” The text reads: “[T]he Attorney General’s Office (FGR) is investigating the use and explosion for the first time in the country’s history of a landmine against the Mexican Army in the so-called Tierra Caliente of Michoacán an area of ten municipalities that since the 1980s has been used by drug traffickers to produce drugs such as marijuana exploded on a dirt road connecting the municipalities of Apatzingán and Tepalcatepec leaving six soldiers wounded and serious damage to a Mexican-made ‘SandCat’ armored military vehicle” the title reads: Clashes continue between the CJNG and the Army in Michoacán.” The text reads “A dozen soldiers have been wounded and 15 detained in clashes in recent days in the municipality of Tepalcatepec in Michoacán […] Federal forces advance to retake control of communities in the area and encounter armed groups apparently belonging to the CJNG the cartels are now using explosive mines buried in the roads to stop rivals and authorities and on Monday an army SandCat vehicle was damaged and uniformed personnel injured when passing through these explosives on a road between the communities of El Bejuco and Los Horcones [7] See Robert J. Bunker, “Improvised Anti-Vehicle Mine (IAVM) I&W in Mexico. C/O Futures Cartel Research Note Series. 14 October 2021, https://www.cofutures.net/post/improvised-anti-vehicle-mine-iavm-i-w-in-mexico [8] We are presently working on the assumption that the explosive device utilized is improvised and not a dedicated military grade landmine due to trending and publicly available indicators [10] Guillermo Espinosa, “Tras agresión con explosivos Sedena detuvo a presuntos integrantes del CJNG en Michoacán.” Capital. 12 February 2022, https://www.capitalmexico.com.mx/politica/tras-agresion-con-explosivos-sedena-detuvo-a-presuntos-integrantes-del-cjng-en-michoacan/ [15] For additional discussion, see John P. Sullivan, “Non-International Armed Conflict: Mexico and Colombia.” Revista do Ministério Público Militar (Brazil). Vol. XLVI, no. 35. November 2021: pp. 467–578, https://www.academia.edu/62379204/Non_International_Armed_Conflict_Mexico_and_Colombia Robert J. Bunker, “Improvised Anti-Vehicle Mine (IAVM) I&W in Mexico Nathan P. Jones, “The Strategic Implications of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.” Journal of Strategic Security David A. Kuhn and Robert J. Bunker. “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #10: Claymore Anti-Personnel Mine (and Other Military Hardware) Recovered in Zacatecas.” Small Wars Journal Robert J. Bunker and John P. Sullivan, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #36: Claymore Anti-Personnel Mines (Minas Antipersonales) Recovered in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.” Small Wars Journal John P. Sullivan and Robert J. Bunker, “Third Generation Gangs Strategic Note No. 17: Antipersonnel Landmine Use and Fabrication by the Clan del Golfo in Colombia.” Small Wars Journal The mayor of Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, where nine presumed hitmen of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) were killed in clashes on Friday has accused state and federal authorities of leaving the municipality to fend for itself In an interview with the newspaper El Universal Felipe Martínez Pérez called on the Michoacán and federal governments to send police and the armed forces to Tepalcatepec to reinforce security and prevent another incursion by the cartel He said that both residents and local authorities have already asked for assistance but the municipality has received no support the mayor responded that the community is on high alert the red alert was activated again because armed groups were sighted in [the Tepalcatepec community of] Tepalcuatita That put all of us on alert and fireworks were set off to warn residents The mayor said the reaction of residents was one of fear adding that although armed groups say they don’t target the general public “the first thing they do is attack the people.” were also killed in the confrontations on Friday that reportedly occurred between CJNG operatives and municipal police “We’re asking for the presence of the army for them to support us with a military operations base in [the neighboring municipality of] Jilotlán where armed groups can enter,” Martínez said “They’ve left us on our own,” the mayor responded when asked whether state and federal authorities have provided any support “It’s concerning for all of society because seeing the events [of Friday] and things as they are as well as not having a response from authorities What’s going on with the state and federal governments for them to not turn their eyes to Tepalcatepec and see what’s happening?” he asked We have a situation of latent risk and at any moment [violence] could break out again The armed forces need to come and stay for a period of time the time that’s necessary to protect the citizens In a separate interview with Grupo Fórmula Martínez denied that there is a criminal group based in Tepalcatepec that is engaged in a turf war with the CJNG a video circulated on social media showing 18 masked men who identified themselves as CJNG hitmen and threatened to attack territory held by former ally Juan José “El Abuelo” Farías Álvarez in Tepalcatepec a former self-defense force leader who is now alleged to be a leader of bitter CJNG rival Los Viagras is a businessman engaged in the buying and selling of cattle Farías doesn’t lead any criminal cell it’s false what they [state authorities] are saying,” he said The mayor claimed that the ignorance of the Michoacán government with regard to the security situation had led to an assertion by Governor Silvano Aureoles that Friday’s clashes were between two cartels rather than the CJNG and local police who were previously self-defense force members Aureoles told a press conference on Monday that it is organized crime that operates and governs in the municipality by deciding who will be mayor “Here there are no cartels but the state government is stubborn [in saying] that there is a cartel here we’re defending ourselves from the aggression of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel – the state government and the federal government don’t understand that,” he said it is questionable that a municipal police force would have the firepower to defeat the CJNG in an armed confrontation The cartel is considered the most powerful and dangerous in the country and has published scores of videos in which its members appear wielding high-caliber weapons A more plausible explanation would be that Friday’s clashes were between the CJNG and Los Viagras described by Governor Aureoles in 2017 as “the most bloodthirsty and dangerous” criminal group operating in Michoacán The newspaper Infobae reported that state police from Jalisco and Michoacán and municipal police from Tepacaltepec were patrolling the border between the two states The CJNG hitmen who allegedly launched Friday’s attack were reported to have crossed into Michoacán from Jalisco Source: El Universal (sp), Milenio (sp), Infobae (sp) have once again taken up arms to protect their town and families The sun is not yet up when men both young and old leave their homes to begin the patrols they say are necessary in the absence of support from federal and state authorities to combat the threat posed by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are doing the security work that is the responsibility of the government,” a heavily-armed jornalero Five days ago, Tepalcatepec came under attack by suspected CJNG hitmen apparently intent on taking control of the western Michoacán municipality located on the border with Jalisco Mayor Felipe Martínez Pérez said in an interview that both residents and local authorities have asked the Michoacán and federal governments to send police and the armed forces to Tepalcatepec to reinforce security and prevent another incursion by the cartel But he claims that the requests have fallen on deaf ears residents say they decided to dust off their weapons and return to their self-defense duties for the first time in five years A report published today by the newspaper El Universal said the vigilantes indicated that they would rather die on their feet than be forced to kneel down and watch their loved ones being killed The words are a riff on the quote “I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees,” which is attributed to Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata Armed with high-caliber weapons such as AK-47s and AR-15s the men walk several kilometers early in the morning to a hill on the border with Jalisco from where the CJNG hitmen reportedly crossed into Michoacán Perched on the hill and using an earthen barricade the men keep a careful eye on the land below for any sign that cartel members are on the move towards Tepalcatepec mindful of the danger that they and their family members face “This isn’t President [López] Obrador’s land or that of Governor Silvano [Aureoles],” one vigilante said implying that if citizens don’t take up the fight to the CJNG Source: El Universal (sp)  The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) yesterday fulfilled its promise to attack the Michoacán municipality of Tepalcatepec Convoys of pickup trucks filled with men and armed with Barrett 50-millimeter rifles began entering communities in the municipality around 7:00am the shooting ended around 10:00am but in the communities of Loma Blanca fighting continued for another hour and forced schools and businesses to close Residents said they called for help when the shooting began but security forces from outside the municipality did not arrive until noon while 11 others were wounded and 11 vehicles were damaged a video circulated on social media showing 18 masked men who identified themselves as CJNG members threatening to attack territory held by former ally Juan José “El Abuelo” Farias Álvarez in Tepalcatepec Farias came to attention in 2013 as a leader of one of the self-defense groups that were fighting against the Caballeros Templarios cartel in the state he has also been linked to the CJNG and its leader the Michoacán self-defense campaign was really part of a strategy of the CJNG against the Caballeros Templarios We’re going to fight against ‘El Abuelo’ and anyone who helps him,’” one of the men in the video says Farias, who has been under suspicion for drug trafficking and other criminal activities for several years, has been arrested at least once, the most recent in May last year. But due to inconsistencies in evidence given by navy marines, who made the arrest, he was released. He returned home to Tepalcatepec to a hero’s welcome Source: Milenio (sp), Infobae (sp) The army has retaken control of a part of Michoacán that was under the sway of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for more than four months CJNG gunmen occupied the highway between Tepalcatepec and Coalcomán for four months and 20 days according to a report by the newspaper Milenio Some 150 families from approximately 20 communities fled their homes due to the presence of the cartel and the risk they could get caught in the crossfire of its gun battles with self-defense forces and official security forces But the displaced people were able to return home last week after the highway was “liberated” by the army last Monday Their houses were not as they left them. Many now have bullet holes in their facades and some lost their roofs because explosives transported by drones were dropped on them The returnees are now fearful that the army will leave the area and the CJNG sicarios will return Everything will be the same as before,” one person told Milenio life is returning to some semblance of normal in Tepalcatepec and Coalcomán neighboring municipalities that both border Jalisco In addition to taking back control of the Tepalcatepec-Coalcomán highway located in Michoacán’s notoriously violent Tierra Caliente region federal authorities repaired 15 trenches on the highway that were dug by the CJNG with heavy machinery allowing essential goods to reach communities that were previously cut off However, the CJNG – which is engaged in a turf war with the Cárteles Unidos in the Tierra Caliente – remains a serious threat in Michoacán, Mexico’s third most violent state last year After the army’s liberation mission last week additional CJNG members were reportedly deployed to the state “In a video found on a cell phone that was seized from a CJNG member by self-defense force members a significant number of armed men with their faces covered are seen marching … while they shout: ‘We’re all people of Señor Mencho,’” Milenio said Mencho is Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the CJNG and a wanted man in Mexico and the United States Milenio said that the additional contingent of “Mencho’s people” were in a community near Michoacán’s border with Colima adding that self-defense forces in Tierra Caliente were on high alert The army’s arrival in the area last week came just days after the publication of a video that showed explosives being dropped on an encampment of displaced people in Tepalcatepec The footage was filmed by a drone from which the explosives were believed dropped by members of the CJNG With reports from Milenio President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Friday confirmed reports that four soldiers were killed in Michoacán on Thursday several Mexican newspapers reported Thursday that four soldiers were killed and nine others were injured in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán after the vehicles in which they traveling set off land mines on a rural road The soldiers were subsequently attacked with firearms and drones carrying explosives The Ministry of National Defense hasn’t publicly commented on the incident López Obrador was asked about the events in Michoacán at his Friday morning press conference After a reporter noted that four soldiers were killed and nine others were wounded the president said that his government had that information and “very much regrets” the crime López Obrador said that the attack occurred in Aguililla after the army “heard about a camp,” presumably one used by criminals But on the way back they didn’t take the same road and in the weeds there was a trap with explosives … and due to that explosion one soldier died right there and then the injured were attended to but they weren’t able to save them,” he said without mentioning the nine soldiers who were apparently wounded but didn’t die “I send my condolences to the families the armed forces have to face up to?” López Obrador didn’t confirm that the soldiers were involved in a gun battle with armed men In another tragedy for the armed forces, seven cadet soldiers deployed with the National Guard drowned last week while undertaking a training exercise off the coast of Ensenada, Baja California. They were allegedly forced to go into the water despite rough seas. Only four of the bodies have been recovered With reports from López-Dóriga Digital A federal judge ordered the release of a former self-defense leader yesterday just three days after he was arrested due to inconsistencies in the navy report on his capture was detained Sunday by marines in the municipality of Tepalcatepec for alleged links to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Michoacán Governor Silvano Aureoles praised the capture and said Farías was a priority target in the state government’s security strategy According to the Navy Secretariat (Semar) report Farías had been placed in a navy pickup truck after his arrest when a single Semar helicopter arrived to provide back-up Armed civilians had begun firing at the navy vehicle in an attempt to free the man many consider to be a community leader rather than a criminal The helicopter returned fire to deter the attack which was presented to the federal Attorney General’s office (PGR) as evidence But witness testimonies and video evidence presented during a hearing indicated that two helicopters — rather than one — participated in the capture operation and that they fired directly at the pick-up in which Farías had been traveling the judge determined that Farías’ arrest did not occur in the manner the navy said it did and denied an application from the PGR for the case to proceed to trial El Abuelo returned to Tepalcatepec just before midday yesterday to a boisterous reception from local residents who days earlier had pressed for his release by erecting roadblocks In a later television interview with Imagen Noticias Farías charged that there were further inaccuracies in the Semar report including the stated time at which he was arrested and an accusation that he had weapons and drugs in his possession He also claimed that he had been tortured by marines but said he would not take legal action against the navy While he was being tortured inside the navy vehicle personnel attempted to extract a confession from him about the whereabouts of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes Mexico’s most wanted drug lord and the boss of the cartel El Abuelo allegedly has links to Farías said he replied that he knew nothing about the capo because he hasn’t lived in Michoacán for several years The founder of the Tepalcatepec self-defense group also confirmed that two Semar helicopters had fired at the pickup truck he was traveling in with family members including his grandson adding that the impact of the bullets caused his vehicle to break down Farías asserted he is not a criminal and called on the navy to concentrate its efforts on apprehending real criminals and not innocent people like him The navy has also come under suspicion in Tamaulipas where relatives of at least 40 missing persons claim the navy was involved in their disappearance The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has echoed that suspicion Source: El Universal (sp), Excélsior (sp) A video that shows explosives being dropped on a civilian encampment in a forest in Michoacán has been posted to social media one of multiple attacks on civilians in the Tierra Caliente municipality of Tepalcatepec on Monday The footage was filmed by a drone from which the explosives were believed dropped by members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) who were allegedly operating the unmanned aerial vehicle The attack was carried out against an encampment of displaced people from the violence-plagued community of El Bejuco The footage shows people running for their lives after the first explosion Three more explosives are dropped from the drone the pictures begin spinning wildly – a blurry vertigo-inducing phenomenon that continues until the footage concludes The cause: the drone was brought down by the camp dwellers and local authorities They were able to seize the drone’s footage The CJNG is accused of perpetrating other attacks in Tepalcatepec on Monday Another video posted to social media shows two heavily armed residents – members of a local self-defense group according to the newspaper El País – hiding behind trees as a CJNG commando fires in their direction Apparently knowing that they were outgunned which shows the two men making their escape through a forest was described by El País as an “adrenaline rush” with “distorted and rapid images of branches and dry leaves” accompanied by a soundtrack of “omnipresent” gunfire Tepalcatepec is one of several municipalities in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán where the CJNG is engaged in a turf war with rival group Cárteles Unidos According to InSight Crime – a foundation dedicated to the study of organized crime – Cárteles Unidos is a criminal organization born out of an alliance between the Cartel de Tepalcatepec Los Viagras and other groups intent on combating the advances made by the CJNG in Michoacán Tepalcatepec Mayor Martha Laura Mendoza last week appealed to federal and state authorities for help to combat insecurity “… We’ve now had four months of insecurity [but] nobody turns around to see [what’s happening] … This is the only municipality where there are more than 3,000 displaced people,” she said “Four months and … nobody provides a solution.” The CJNG has carried out numerous recent attacks in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán including other offensives in which they have used drones equipped with explosives Five men were decapitated after being murdered by CJNG members during a lengthy offensive in Tepalcatepec last September, while there was a series of attacks in the same municipality in November A cell of the Jalisco Cartel attacked the municipal seat of Chinicuila with explosive-carrying drones last December spreading terror through the community before the National Guard responded and drove the attackers out of town Authorities have been accused of doing little to combat the high levels of violence in the region, and residents protested last September to demand military intervention to combat organized crime A month later, the federal government announced the deployment of 17,000 additional National Guard troops to the state which borders two other violent states: Jalisco and Colima Michoacán was the third most violent state in the first 11 months of last year with more than 2,200 victims The only states with more murders were Guanajuato and Baja California generally considered Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization also operates in those states as well as many others across the country With reports from El Universal and El País Soldiers have found and defused 279 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán since December The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has used the land mines in its fight against the Cárteles Unidos – a criminal group led by Los Viagras – and official security forces National Defense Ministry (Sedena) documents obtained by the newspaper Milenio via freedom of information laws reveal that the army has deactivated IEDs found on agricultural land, ranches and dirt roads in the municipalities of Tepalcatepec, Aguililla The army first became aware of the CJNG’s use of the mines on December 18. Soldiers have painstakingly searched for IEDs hidden under dirt or camouflaged among weeds in Michoacán’s Tierra Caliente An armored army vehicle drove over one mine in Tepalcatepec in late January It was previously reported that 10 soldiers were hurt in the incident Tepalcatepec ranks first for the number of IEDs detected by the army followed by Aguililla where CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was born Over a dozen mines have been found in Naranjo de Chila A 78-year-old man was killed in Aguililla in February when he drove over an IED The mines used by the CJNG have been compared to those deployed by Iraqi insurgents and organizations such as Al-Qaeda and the Taliban in wars against the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two decades Security sources cited by Milenio earlier this year said the explosives consist of pipes filled with gunpowder Michoacán was the second most violent state in the first three months of the year with 756 homicides The Tierra Caliente region has long been plagued by insecurity, but the army carried out an operation in February that succeeded in driving criminals out of 43 localities in the municipalities of Aguililla With reports from Milenio The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has turned up the heat again in Michoacán with the release of a new video on social media appealing to the citizens of Tepalcatepec to send a crime gang suspect packing The video shows a man sitting at a table addressing the camera and flanked by at least 20 masked men most of them armed with Barrett .50-caliber rifles and wearing military-style uniforms bearing the letters CJNG The speaker urges citizens of Tepalcatepec to run Juan José “El Abuelo” Farías out of town The cartel alleges that he leads a local crime gang that our conflict isn’t against the citizens of Tepalcatepec but against ‘El Abuelo’ and his cartel he is using you to carry out his criminal activities for his own benefit and behind your back.” The speaker said Farías is believed to be part of the Caballeros Templarios cartel or the Viagras gang “He’s started to levy protection fees against businesses in the town while he and his children spend all the money buying new luxury cars,” he said “If you get rid of ‘El Abuelo’ and his cartel your town will become calm again Fighting in the municipality started on August 30 when CJNG gunmen crossed the border from Jalisco to try to take control Nine people were killed in ensuing clashes and all of the dead were later identified as members of the CJNG classes resumed at Tepalcatepec schools after the deployment of 200 army troops Friday Source: Radio Fórmula (sp), Animal Político (sp) MEXICO CITY (AP) — In the war raging between drug cartels in western Mexico gangs have begun using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on roads to disable army vehicles The self-defense movement in the town of Tepalcatepec said improvised land mines severely damaged an army armored car late last week supplied photos showing a disabled army light armored vehicle on a road with damage he said was caused by such a mine who refused to reveal his name for fear of reprisals said the explosion happened last Saturday in the town of Taixtan where locals have been battling Jalisco gunmen for months The warring gangs already frequently use homemade armored cars and drones modified to drop small bombs But it would be the first time IEDs have been successfully used by cartels in Mexico The Mexican Army did not respond to a request for specific comment on the IEDs But the Defense Department did say army patrols were attacked in the area Saturday four times with explosives homemade armored cars and gunfire that wounded 10 soldiers The department did not specify what type of explosives were involved The Milenio television station described the IEDs as PVC pipe bombs buried with a round metal base below and a conical metal cap to direct or concentrate the blast said “the worrisome thing is the improvisation that they (criminal groups) are doing with engineering Rather than trying to fight an outright war with the army — which they know they would lose — Ibarrola said that with the IEDs and other devices “more than anything else what they are trying to do is threaten and take on rival groups.” It is not clear if the improvised land mines are only being used by one side in the bloody turf battle for control of Michoacan state which drug traffickers value for its seaport and smuggling routes as well as the opportunity to extort money from the state's growers of avocados and limes residents of the Jalisco-dominated village of Loma Blanca showed Associated Press journalists a small crater where they said the Tepalcatepec forces had detonated a land mine While cartel gunmen across Mexico have used hand grenades and rocket-propelled grenades against police and soldiers before IEDs have been practically unknown in the country's drug wars a car bomb aimed at federal police officers exploded in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez A drug cartel suspect used a cell phone to set off the explosives-laden car which killed a federal police officer and two civilians Jalisco cartel gunmen brought down a Eurocopter transport helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade killing eight soldiers and a police officer While the choppers Jalisco faces now are Blackhawks there is little doubt the cartel can come up with something punchier The Mexican government is rapidly running out of tools to control the expansion of the Jalisco cartel Mexico’s most militarily powerful drug gang The army has already pulled out some of its most lethal weapons in its fight against the Jalisco cartel: Helicopter gunships equipped with electric mini-guns rotating barrel machine guns capable of firing thousands of rounds per minute But the inhabitants of Michoacan are also fed up with the army’s strategy of simply separating the Jalisco and the Michoacan-based Viagras gang The army policy effectively allows the Viagras — best known for kidnapping and extorting money — to set up roadblocks and checkpoints on many of the state's roads The do-nothing strategy appears to be part of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's “hugs not bullets” policy of avoiding confrontation “The difficult thing here is that there hasn't been any resounding effort by the government to confront” the gangs the cartels have developed bomb-carrying drones and the most feared warriors are the “droneros,” or drone operators While initially crude and dangerous to load and operate — and still worrisomely indiscriminate — drone warfare has improved and it’s not unusual to see metal barn or shed roofs opened like tin cans from the impact of drone explosions rewritten or redistributed without permission In an attempt to prevent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) hitmen from entering their communities and attacking them residents of two municipalities in western Michoacán have taken defensive measures by digging trenches across highways neighboring municipalities that border Jalisco cut road access at La Limonera and La Pinolapa the trenches prevent vehicles from traveling through the two municipalities to Jalisco and the Michoacán coast CJNG gunmen have entered several communities in armored vehicles over the past week and launched attacks directed at their adversaries among which is a group known as Carteles Unidos Residents say that the CJNG – usually considered Mexico’s most powerful and dangerous criminal organization – has taken control of several communities in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán The decision to dig the trenches came after members of a CJNG cell set fire to 11 vehicles last weekend in the Coalcóman community of Puerto de las Cruces apparently to stop the entry of security forces from Jalisco after a cartel ambush Residents say the CJNG has been bringing weapons and people into Michoacán via Puerto de las Cruces which adjoins the Jalisco municipality of Pihuamo The weapons and cartel personnel are taken through Coalcóman to a community in the municipality of Aguililla where the CJNG has a base Aguililla was the scene of a cartel ambush just over a year ago that left 14 state police officers dead The attack is believed to have been perpetrated by the CJNG Community authorities told the newspaper El Universal that the cartel was also responsible for an ambush last Friday that wounded three state police The attack occurred on the Tepalcatepec-Coalcomán highway near the community of Los Aguacates As a result of the recent cartel violence in the region about 200 families decided to abandon their homes and seek refuge in safer locations Some are reportedly planning to leave Michoacán to travel to the northern border and seek asylum in the United States Some teenagers have fled their towns out of fear that the CJNG will attempt to recruit them forcibly Authorities have identified a man nicknamed “El Negrito” as well as Miguel Fernández aka “El M2,” as the main instigators of the violence in western Michoacán municipalities on or near the Jalisco border El Negrito is believed to be the leader of a CJNG cell while Fernández is the suspected plaza chief in Aguililla El Universal reported that there is video footage of the former executing presumed members of rival groups in cold blood The newspaper also said that there is footage of CJNG members setting residents on fire as a form of torture to obtain information from them about rival criminal groups Formed about a decade ago, the Jalisco cartel is led by Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, Mexico’s most wanted drug lord. It is notorious for violence and making videos that show off its significant firepower Oseguera hails from a town in Aguililla, and violence in and around the municipality last year was reportedly linked to his desire to move home. The kingpin, rumored to be suffering from kidney disease, is also wanted in the United States, where a US $10-million reward is on offer for information that leads to his arrest Source: Milenio (sp), El Universal (sp)  Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #47: Anti-CJNG IAFV Trenches Dug in Michoacán The ongoing Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) offensive into Michoacán has been met by the creation of defensive trenches dug across multiple state highways/roads in mid-November 2020  These anti-improvised armored fighting vehicle (IAFV) trenches were created by Los Viagras and/or local community self-defense groups (autodefensas) in an apparent co-ordinated effort to obstruct CJNG commando unit—consisting of IAFVs and soft-skinned vehicles and gun trucks with mounted infantry elements—access to towns under their control Trench cut on road in Coalcomán, Michoacán to prevent advance of CJNG.  Source: @DannyRangelGDL, 16 November 2020, https://twitter.com/DannyRangelGDL/status/1328489325949030400?s=20 Key Information: “Habitantes modifican carreteras para evitar avance del CJNG en Coalcomán y Tepalcatepec https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/habitantes-modifican-carreteras-para-evitar-avance-del-cjng-en-coalcoman-y-tepalcatepec: En un hecho sin precedentes, habitantes de Coalcomán y Tepalcatepec, Michoacán, trozaron las carreteras estatales que comunican a estos municipios con el estado de Jalisco para frenar el avance de integrantes del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) que los asedían…  …Los tramos carreteros que han sido trozados son entre La Limonera Los pobladores advirtieron que el otro punto donde trozarán la carretera es entre Tepalcatepec Señalaron que por esos puntos es por donde han circulado los convoyes crimínales, encabezados por los monstruos con las que los delincuentes perpetran los ataques.[1] Key Information: “Citizens dig trenches across highways in effort to thwart CJNG attacks.” Mexico News Daily. 17 November 2020, https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/citizens-dig-trenches-across-highways-in-effort-to-thwart-cjng-attacks/: among which is a group known as Carteles Unidos… …The decision to dig the trenches came after members of a CJNG cell set fire to 11 vehicles last weekend in the Coalcóman community of Puerto de las Cruces Key Information: Ernesto Martínez Elorriaga, “Destrozan carretera para evitar acceso del CJNG en Michoacán.” La Jornada. 17 November 2020, https://www.jornada.com.mx/ultimas/estados/2020/11/17/destrozan-carretera-para-evitar-acceso-del-cjng-en-michoacan-1556.html: En los límites de los municipios de Tepalcatepec y Coalcomán presuntos integrantes del grupo delictivo Los Viagras trozaron la carretera que comunica estas dos demarcaciones para impedir el paso de vehículos del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación los autores de dicha acción utilizaron maquinaria pesada para hacer una zanja a lo ancho de la vía y evitar el acceso a poblaciones como Apatzingán Key Information: Charbell Lucio, “Trozan carreteras para blindar Tepalcatepec ante ataques del CJNG.” Revolucion 3.0. 20 November 2020, https://revolucion.news/trozan-carreteras-blindar-tepalcatepec-ante-ataques-del-cjng/: Son cuatro carreteras y cinco brechas las que fueron trozadas para impedir el paso de los criminales provenientes de Jalisco trozaron las cuatro carreteras que conectan al municipio con el estado de Jalisco para evitar que ingresen grupos armados provenientes de esa entidad los pobladores e integrantes del grupo autodefensa de Tepalcatepec luego de que el Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación and/or local community self-defense groups (autodefensas) What: Anti-vehicle (defensive) trenches—some with dirt berms—dug across highway/road choke points using heavy machinery.    Resident complaints about the ditches made on 16 November; ditches were created on that date or possibly a day sooner Where: State highways/roads with four roads interrupted by at least five trenches cut between La Limonera Michoacán.  These roads ultimately lead to Jalisco (state) The trenches obstruct access to the towns of Aquila Why: To block Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) commando(s) avenues of approach into the towns controlled by/in the sphere of influence of Los Viagras  CJNG has been launching an operational offensive into the region for roughly a week Trench to prevent passage of CJNG Vehicles on road between Tepalcatepec and Buenavista.  Source: Unidad De Inteligencia Ciudadana, 6 November 2020, https://twitter.com/UnidadDeInteli1/status/1328444471269330945/photo/1. The use of anti-vehicle (defensive) trenches dug across highways and roads in Michoacán is a first for the criminal insurgencies intensifying across various regions of Mexico Michoacán is an important front for the CJNG since they are engaged in a competition for control of the greater region with criminal groups such as Los Viagras Past cartel anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) tactics and procedures (TTPs) focusing on choke point defense have been at the immediate tactical/tactical action level of implementation  These TTPs have included the use of caltrops (sharp metal spikes used to deflate tires)[5] and the creation of hasty barriers by means of the dumping of debris parked and disabled and/or overturned vehicles as well as vehicles set on fire[6] covering .50 cal sniper and automatic weapons fires from vehicular mounts and dismounted cartel enforcers and sicarios have been utilized to provide additional A2/AD resilience The utilization of anti-vehicle trenches represents an escalation of tactical level A2/AD TTPs by elevating them to an operational level response  The use of defensive trenches is equivalent to the creation of hastily built field fortifications in Michoacán Similar TTPs would include the cutting down of telephone poles and trees along choke points—which has not yet taken place—to similarly deny highway and road network access As evidenced by some immediate local community grievances[7] the use of anti-vehicle trenches (or other semi-permanent physical barriers) is not a sustainable long-term operational response to CJNG incursions into the towns held by Los Viagras  By shutting down the routes into the towns of Aquila the economic commerce of local businesses and citizenry is imperiled—even with the loading and unloading of goods onto trucks on opposite sides of the trenches as work arounds.[8]    if the use of anti-vehicle trenches persists the expected CJNG response would be to either bring in dump trucks to fill in the ditches with a load or two of dirt and other debris or engage in ad hoc bridging operations by means of their commandos carrying improvised metal vehicular spans to place over the ditches—essentially requiring them to acquire limited ‘combat engineer’ capabilities A fallback local cartels and autodefensas posture may be to attempt to institutionalize the anti-vehicle trench locations as fortified checkpoints.  These checkpoints would include serpentines and other vehicular impediments in order to withstand a sustained CJNG siege of their towns.[9]  This would entail filling in the trenches themselves in order to allow commerce to once again flow in and out of their towns there is a question as to whether the local manpower resources exist to undertake such efforts and it remains very doubtful that State police and Federal forces would allow fortified checkpoints manned by mixed groups of armed villagers and armed cartel members to remain for very long on key public highways and roads.  Charbell Lucio, “Trozan carreteras para blindar Tepalcatepec ante ataques del CJNG.” Revolucion 3.0. 20 November 2020, https://revolucion.news/trozan-carreteras-blindar-tepalcatepec-ante-ataques-del-cjng/. “Citizens dig trenches across highways in effort to thwart CJNG attacks.” Mexico News Daily. 17 November 2020, https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/citizens-dig-trenches-across-highways-in-effort-to-thwart-cjng-attacks/ Ernesto Martínez Elorriaga, “Destrozan carretera para evitar acceso del CJNG en Michoacán.” La Jornada.17 November 2020, https://www.jornada.com.mx/ultimas/estados/2020/11/17/destrozan-carretera-para-evitar-acceso-del-cjng-en-michoacan-1556.html “Habitantes modifican carreteras para evitar avance del CJNG en Coalcomán y Tepalcatepec, Michoacán.” El Universal.16 November 2020, https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/habitantes-modifican-carreteras-para-evitar-avance-del-cjng-en-coalcoman-y-tepalcatepec La lucha contra el CJNG en Michoacán: en fotos, los destrozos a las carreteras para evitar el avance del grupo criminal.” Infobae. 18 November 2020, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2020/11/18/la-lucha-contra-el-cjng-en-michoacan-en-fotos-los-destrozos-a-las-carreteras-para-evitar-el-avance-del-grupo-criminal/ Improvised Armored Fighting Vehicles (IAFV) the title reads: “Residents modify roads to prevent CJNG advance in Coalcomán and Tepalcatepec Michoacán.”  The text reads: “In an unprecedented event cut up the state roads that connect these municipalities with the state of Jalisco to stop the advance of members of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) who were besieging them.”…“The road sections that have been cut are between La Limonera Tepalcatepec.”…“The residents warned that the other point where they will cut the highway is between Tepalcatepec Jalisco.”…“They pointed out that these points are where the criminal convoys have circulated with which the criminals perpetrate the attacks the title reads: “Highway destroyed to prevent CJNG access in Michoacán.”  The text reads: “In the city limits of Tepalcatepec and Coalcomán alleged members of the criminal group Los Viagras cut up the road that connects these two locations to prevent the passage Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel vehicles according to residents of the area.”…”According to statements of the inhabitants the actors used heavy machinery to construct a ditch across the width of the road and prevent access to towns such as Apatzingán the title reads: “Roads cut to shield Tepalcatepec from CJNG attacks.”  The text reads: “There are four highways and five gaps that were cut to prevent the passage of criminals from Jalisco.”… “Inhabitants of the municipality of Tepalcatepec chopped up the four roads that connect the municipality with the state of Jalisco to prevent the entry of armed groups from that entity.”…“Over the weekend the residents and members of the Tepalcatepec self-defense group cut two stretches of road after the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel broke into communities in Coalcomán [4] Habitantes modifican carreteras para evitar avance del CJNG en Coalcomán y Tepalcatepec, Michoacán.” El Universal.16 November 2020, https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/habitantes-modifican-carreteras-para-evitar-avance-del-cjng-en-coalcoman-y-tepalcatepec [5] Robert J. Bunker and Khirin Bunker, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note # 18: Cartel Caltrop Use in Texas.” Small Wars Journal. 23 May 2013, https://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/mexican-cartel-tactical-note-18-cartel-caltrop-use-in-texas [8] Charbell Lucio, “Trozan carreteras para blindar Tepalcatepec ante ataques del CJNG.” Revolucion 3.0. 20 November 2020, https://revolucion.news/trozan-carreteras-blindar-tepalcatepec-ante-ataques-del-cjng/. Note the fixed position is fortified better than most  It includes a low dirt berm across the road with a vehicle next to it that can be moved it would stand little chance against a CJNG commando unit Robert J. Bunker and Byron Ramirez, Eds., Narco Armor: Improvised Armored Fighting Vehicles in Mexico.  Leavenworth Alma Keshavarz and Robert J. Bunker, “The Gulf Cartel’s Armored Vehicles.” OE Watch John P. Sullivan and Robert J. Bunker, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #43: Improvised Armored Fighting Vehicles (IAFVs) – ‘Narcotanques’ and ‘Monstruos Blindados’ in Jalisco.” Small Wars Journal At least 12 people were killed in Michoacán in four different attacks on Sunday the bodies of five men were found in the Presa de los Reyes neighborhood of Morelia where two women were wounded in the same incident That was followed by the killing of four men by armed civilians in Lázaro Cárdenas two more men were killed in the municipalities of Tepalcatepec and Coeneo while last night a group of state police officers were attacked in Sahuayo One officer was killed and five others were wounded Michoacán is one of the states where homicides numbers have increased since 2018 The most violent municipalities in the state are Morelia much of the violence in Michoacán is related to the conflict between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Los Viagras gang for territorial control One of the recent flashpoints for that conflict has been the municipality of Tepalcatepec, which borders the state of Jalisco. On Friday, nine people were killed when members of the CJNG began a campaign to try to take control of the municipality from the Los Viagras Michoacán Public Security Secretary Israel Patrón Reyes told the newspaper Milenio that the nine people who died were members of the CJNG who had traveled from Jalisco to carry out the attack Source: El Financiero (sp), Milenio (sp) Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #50: Additional Weaponized Consumer Drone Incidents in Michoacán and Puebla This research note documents two recent developments in the proliferation of weaponized consumer drones (aerial improvised explosive devices) in Mexico The first incident is an alleged attack by the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) in Tepalcatepec The second is the arrest of two suspected Cártel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL) drone weaponeers in Puebla on 22 April 2021 Both incidents follow the widely reported 20 April 2021 drone attack in Aguililla Policía Michoacán (Michoacán Police) Secure a Contested Section of the Apatzingán-Aguililla Road Source: Secretaría de Seguridad Pública de Michoacán (SSP Michoacán) Key Information: “CJNG ataca con drones cargados de explosivos comunidad de Tepalcatepec, Michoacán.” Político MX. 4 May 2021, https://politico.mx/minuta-politica/minuta-politica-estados/cjng-ataca-con-drones-cargados-de-explosivos-comunidad-de-tepalcatepec-michoacán/: Hombres armados presuntamente identificados como integrantes del Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) atacaron con drones cargados con explosivos la comunidad de Pinolapa en el municipio de Tepalcatepec, en el estado de Michoacán ¿Qué se dijo? De acuerdo con El Universal los testimonios de los pobladores de la zona indicaron que los drones estaban cargados con explosivos C4 y granadas de fragmentación Señalaron que el grupo armado intentó irrumpir a la comunidad cerca de las 10:00 horas Los hechos. Detallaron que los sujetos armados intentaron ingresar a Pinolapa a través de la zona serrana del lugar; sin embargo Key Information: “CJNG ataca con drones comunidades de Tepalcatepec, Michoacán.” El Universal. 4 May 2021, https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/cjng-ataca-con-drones-comunidades-de-tepalcatepec-michoacan: Sujetos fuertemente armados identificados con el Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación, iniciaron esta mañana un ataque con drones cargados de explosivos en la comunidad de Pinolapa Los pobladores de esa zona de la Tierra Caliente reportaron que los artefactos no tripulados están cargados con explosivos C4 y granadas de fragmentación Relataron que el grupo armado intentó irrumpir cerca de las 10:00 horas a esa zona limítrofe entre los municipios de Tepalcatepec y Coalcomán.[2] Key Information: “Cártel del Tepalcatepec denunció incursión del CJNG con supuestos drones.” Infobae. 5 May 2021, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2021/05/05/cartel-del-tepalcatepec-denuncio-incursion-del-cjng-con-supuestos-drones/: “Se señala que en el estado de Puebla, diversas personas se dedican a fabricar bombas utilizando un material explosivo haciendo uso de drones para transportarlas” Tepalcatepec forma parte de la región calentana que está en asedio por el CJNG que quiere recuperar la tierra que vio nacer a su líder, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes el Mencho; mientras que remanentes locales no quieren ceder más territorio y se agruparon bajo Cárteles Unidos El concilio del llamado Cárteles Unidos agrupa a los Viagras la Nueva Familia Michoacana y los Blancos de Troya Algunas de estas facciones simulan ser autodefensas para legitimar retenes vigilancia nocturna y rechazo de la autoridad. Sin embargo, pretenden resistir el asedio del Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación y no perder la plaza de Michoacán para seguir con ilícitos como el narcomenudeo la fabricación de droga y extorsiones a productores de limón y aguacate.[3] Key Information: “Procesaron a dos fabricantes de drones con explosivos que trabajaban para el ‘Marro’, ex líder del CSRL.” Infobae. 24 April 2021, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2021/04/25/procesaron-a-dos-fabricantes-de-drones-con-explosivos-que-trabajaban-para-el-marro-ex-lider-del-csrl/: presuntos operadores del Cártel Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL) fueron detenidos y vinculados a proceso por su presunta participación en el equipamiento de drones con explosivos para las huestes de José Antonio Yépez Ortiz Según investigaciones de la Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) estos sujetos colaboraban con el CSRL desde su base en Puebla… …Agentes de la Policía Federal Ministerial y de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional cumplimentaron una orden de cateo en un domicilio de de San Andrés Cholula De forma simultánea se desarrollaron acciones similares en la colonia Hacienda San Antonio Morelos, donde cayó Rogelio “L”.  Un año después de recibir la denuncia anónima los dos supuestos operadores del CSRL fueron vinculados a proceso por no contar con permisos para fabricar o manipular explosivos reservados a las FFAA; además de poseer armas y municiones del uso exclusivo del Ejército Key Information: Jorge Butrón, “Caen en Puebla pioneros en uso de drones con explosivos.” La Razón. 24 April 2021, https://www.razon.com.mx/estados/caen-puebla-pioneros-utilizar-drones-explosivos-432129: Dos fabricantes de drones con explosivos que trabajan para el Cártel Santa Rosa de Lima fueron detenidos por violar la Ley Federal de Armas de Fuego y Explosivos y vinculados a proceso por un juez de control… …De acuerdo a las autoridades federales el 22 de marzo pasado comenzó una investigación, luego de denuncias anónimas que señalaron a varias personas que producen este tipo de instrumentos en el estado de Puebla se concedió la autorización y orden para detener a Diego “J” y Rogelio “N”[sic].[5] Who:             Incident 1: Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) Suspected Incident 2: Cártel Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL) Suspected Incident 1: Weaponized drone attack (aerial improvised explosive device) Incident 2: Suspected bombmakers/drone weaponeers arrested When:                              Hacienda San Antonio, Morelos (Rogelio “L”)  Why:             Incident 1: Cartel competition for territorial and/or market control (CJNG) Incident 2: Cartel competition for territorial and/or market control (CSRL) These two incidents represent the sixth and seventh publicly documented cartel weaponized drone incidents in Mexico since October 2017 Incident 1 is an attack on Tuesday 4 May 2021 Incident 2 involves the arrest of two suspected CSRL drone weaponeers for activity initially reported in Puebla in April 2020 These incidents follow the highly visible attack on Tuesday 20 April 2017 outside of Aguililla Michoacán attributed to members of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).[6] The Attorney General in coordination with the Mexican Army (SEDENA) arrested Diego “J” and Rogelio “L” on Probable Federal Firearms and Explosive Charges. Source: Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) Incident 1 involves an alleged drone attack attributed to the CJNG It occurred during an assault on a contested road near Tepalcatepec No injuries were reported.[7] Incident 2 involved the arrest of two CSRL bombmakers/weaponeers for activities in Guanajuato last year (2020) during the battle between the CSRL and CJNG.[8][9] While these two newly documented incidents are not as spectacular as the 20 April 2020 incident in Aguililla they demonstrate the continuing trend toward weaponized drone proliferation among Mexican criminal armed groups (CAGs) the CJNG is the only cartel in Mexico documented to be actively experimenting with and utilizing weaponized drones given the fragmentation of the CSRL as publicity about CJNG incidents continue drones artillados use will begin to proliferate to the other cartels albeit in a haphazard manner Jorge Butrón, “Caen en Puebla pioneros en uso de drones con explosivos.” La Razón. 24 April 2021, https://www.razon.com.mx/estados/caen-puebla-pioneros-utilizar-drones-explosivos-432129 “Cártel del Tepalcatepec denunció incursión del CJNG con supuestos drones.” Infobae. 5 May 2021, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2021/05/05/cartel-del-tepalcatepec-denuncio-incursion-del-cjng-con-supuestos-drones/ “CJNG ataca con drones cargados de explosivos comunidad de Tepalcatepec. Michoacán.” Político MX. 4 May 2021, https://politico.mx/minuta-politica/minuta-politica-estados/cjng-ataca-con-drones-cargados-de-explosivos-comunidad-de-tepalcatepec-michoacán/ “CJNG ataca con drones comunidades de Tepalcatepec, Michoacán.” El Universal. 5 May 2021, https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/estados/cjng-ataca-con-drones-comunidades-de-tepalcatepec-michoacan “Procesaron a dos fabricantes de drones con explosivos que trabajaban para el ‘Marro’, ex líder del CSRL.” Infobae. 24 April 2021, https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2021/04/25/procesaron-a-dos-fabricantes-de-drones-con-explosivos-que-trabajaban-para-el-marro-ex-lider-del-csrl/ Significance: Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) the title reads: “CJNG attacks the community of Tepalcatepec Michoacán with drones loaded with explosives.” The text reads: “Armed men allegedly identified as members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) attacked the community of Pinolapa in the state of Michoacán with drones loaded with explosives.” … “What was said the testimony of the residents of the area indicated that the drones were loaded with C4 explosives and fragmentation grenades They indicated that the armed group tried to break into the community around 10:00 hours (10:00 AM).” … “The facts They detailed that the armed subjects tried to enter Pinolapa through the mountainous area of ​​the place; however the inhabitants repelled the attack.”   the title reads: “Tepalcatepec Cartel denounced CJNG incursion with alleged drones.” The text reads: “‘It is noted that in the state of Puebla various people are dedicated to making bombs using an explosive material using drones to transport them,’ the FGR said in a statement.” … “Tepalcatepec is part of the Helena region that is under siege by the CJNG that wants to recover the land where its leader El Mencho was born; while local remnants do not want to give up more territory and are grouped under United Cartels.” … “The council of the so-called United Cartels groups together the Viagras the New Michoacán Family and the Whites of Troy Some of these factions pretend to be self-defense groups to legitimize checkpoints they intend to resist the siege of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and not lose the Michoacán Plaza [in order] to continue with illicit activities such as drug dealing and extortion of lemon and avocado producers.” the title reads: “They prosecuted two manufacturers of drones with explosives who worked for ‘el Marro,’ former leader of the CSRL.” The text reads: “Diego ‘J’ and Rogelio ‘L,’ alleged operators of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel (CSRL) were detained and linked to proceedings for their alleged participation in equipping drones with explosives for the hosts of José Antonio Yépez Ortiz el Marro.” … “According to investigations by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) these subjects collaborated with the CSRL from its base in Puebla.” … “Agents of the Federal Ministerial Police and the Secretariat of National Defense completed a search warrant at a home in San Andrés Cholula similar actions took place in the Hacienda San Antonio neighborhood of Xochitepec where Rogelio ‘L’ fell [was arrested].” … “One year after receiving the anonymous complaint the two alleged CSRL operators were linked to the process for not having permits to manufacture or manipulate explosives reserved for the armed forces; in addition to possessing weapons and ammunition for the exclusive use of the Army Navy and Air Force.” Rogelio “L” was also reported as Rogelio “N” in some reports.  the title reads: “Pioneers in the use of drones with explosives fall [are arrested] in Puebla.” The text reads: “Two manufacturers of drones with explosives that work for the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel were arrested for violating the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives and linked to the process by a control judge.” … “According to federal authorities after anonymous complaints indicated that several people who produce this type of instrument were in the state of Puebla the authorization and order to arrest Diego ‘J’ and Rogelio ‘N’ was granted.” … “The arrests were made by elements of the Federal Ministerial Police and elements of the Mexican Army at a home in the municipality of Cholula in Puebla.” [6] See Robert J. Bunker and John P. Sullivan, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #49: Alleged CJNG Drone Attack in Aguililla, Michoacán Injures Two Police Officers.” Small Wars Journal. 28 April 2021, https://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/mexican-cartel-tactical-note-49-alleged-cjng-drone-attack-aguililla-michoacan-injures-two [7] Hiroto Saito, “Weaponized Drones in Mexico: Game-Changer or Gimmick?” InSight Crime. 6 May 2021, https://insightcrime.org/news/weaponized-drones-mexico-game-changer-gimmick/ Robert J. Bunker and John P. Sullivan, “Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #49: Alleged CJNG Drone Attack in Aguililla, Michoacán Injures Two Police Officers.” Small Wars Journal Robert J. Bunker, John P. Sullivan, and David A. Kuhn, “Use of Weaponized Consumer Drones in Mexican Crime War.” Counter-IED Report The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has carried out attacks in the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán this week but no fatalities have been reported A cell of the powerful criminal organization launched an offensive in the community of Taixtán early Tuesday afternoon but groups of armed residents contained the attack the offensive resumed Tuesday night and Wednesday morning with attacks against local residents and army personnel The CJNG reportedly used high-caliber weapons and explosive-laden drones in the offensive It is unclear who or what the cartel was targeting in Taixtán located in the municipality of Tepalcatepec the CJNG is engaged in a fierce turf war in the Tierra Caliente region with the Cárteles Unidos The cartel has also clashed with self-defense force members, and recently decapitated five men manning a checkpoint in Tepalcatepec the CJNG went on the offensive in Villa Victoria located on the border with Jalisco and Colima Residents and local authorities reported that an armed gang entered the town in armored trucks known as monstruos (monsters) at about 4:30 a.m The community guard and the army responded to the attack and a confrontation ensued that lasted more than 1 1/2 hours Six soldiers were wounded and transferred to a hospital in Apatzingán The newspaper reported Wednesday that the CJNG’s advance had been halted The Tierra Caliente of Michoacán has been plagued by violent crime in 2021. Another hotspot is Aguililla where the CJNG and the Cárteles Unidos have clashed on numerous occasions According to a report by the Associated Press the army has largely stopped fighting the cartels in Aguililla and surrounding areas soldiers guard dividing lines between cartel territories so they won’t encroach on each other’s turf AP also said that the army turns a blind eye to the cartels’ criminal activities It reported that the Viagras are extorting lime producers avocado farmers and iron ore mines and that CJNG leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera “wants to take over all this.” told AP that the federal government’s strategy in Michoacán is clearly “some sort of pact of non-aggression.” “… [The soldiers] are not there to disarm the two sides but rather to prevent the conflict from spreading The problem is that we don’t know where the army draws the line Violence in the Tierra Caliente region has displaced thousands of people since President López Obrador took office in late 2018 many of whom have sought asylum in the United States With reports from El Universal and AP This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Chattanooga Times Free Press Material from the Associated Press is Copyright © 2025 audio and/or video material shall not be published rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use The AP will not be held liable for any delays errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing