Drone and Gunman Attack in Mexican Community by Cartel

Escalating Violence in Guerrero

A small community in Guerrero, Mexico, experienced a brutal attack involving drones and armed men, according to the Minerva Bello Center, a local human rights group. The attack, attributed to a drug cartel, targeted at least 30 people in Helidoro Castillo, a remote town in Tlacotepec. José Filiberto Velázquez, the center’s director, indicated that victims were likely killed, although confirmation of deaths is pending due to the area’s inaccessibility.

Cartel War Intensifies

The area is reportedly embroiled in a conflict between the La Familia Michoacana and the Jalisco New Generation cartels. The attack started with drones launching explosive devices, followed by gunmen who ambushed the community members.

Fear Spreads Among Locals

The violence and drone attacks by the cartels have escalated over the past year, causing fear in nearby communities. The inability of human rights groups and authorities to access the town due to its remoteness and risks has left little information about the attack’s specifics.

Official Response

Guerrero state prosecutors acknowledged a “violent act” in the town and are investigating, but could not provide further details at the moment.

Broader Context of Cartel Violence in Mexico

Mexico is grappling with the activities of over 200 cartels and criminal organizations. Guerrero, in particular, has become a hotspot for conflict. The cartels’ bold tactics now include using drones in warfare, infiltrating Legal industries like the avocado trade, and constructing their own Wi-Fi networks to exert control under threat of violence.

The attack in Guerrero highlights the increasing severity and complexity of cartel violence in Mexico, raising concerns about the safety and security of remote communities caught in these conflicts.