Improvised Land Mine Attack by Drug Cartel Kills Two Mexican Soldiers and Wounds Five in Michoacan

A land mine, believed to be planted by a drug cartel, killed two Mexican soldiers and injured five others, according to Mexico's defence secretary. Gen. Ricardo Trevilla noted that since 2018, six soldiers have died from improvised explosive devices (IEDs). However, he did not clarify if these deaths were due to drone-dropped bombs or roadside explosives, both used by gangs in Mexico.

In the western state of Michoacan, the army was investigating reports of armed men in a rural area. Soldiers found an area blocked by logs and had to proceed on foot. As they neared an abandoned encampment with three dismembered bodies, a hidden device exploded, injuring five soldiers, including at least one officer.

Drug Cartel Tactics in Michoacan

The explosion was attributed to the United Cartels, which includes the Viagras gang. This group has been engaged in violent conflicts with the Jalisco cartel over territory in Michoacan for years. The region has seen increased militarisation with cartels using IEDs, trenches, pillboxes, homemade armoured vehicles, and sniper rifles.

In August 2023, the Mexican army reported that some soldiers had been killed by drones dropping bombs operated by drug cartels. However, officials have previously stated that roadside bombs are more frequently encountered than those dropped from drones.

Rising Threat of IEDs

In August 2023, a detailed report revealed that 42 soldiers, police officers, and suspects were wounded by IEDs in the first seven and a half months of 2023. This figure marked an increase from 16 injuries recorded throughout 2022. The use of such devices has become a significant threat in the ongoing conflict between rival cartels.

Trevilla described the explosive devices as "very rustic," similar to buried pipe bombs. The attack site suggested it was a booby trap set by drug cartels. The condition of the five wounded soldiers remains undisclosed.

The Jalisco cartel's battle for control over Michoacan has intensified over time. The use of advanced weaponry and tactics highlights the escalating violence between rival groups in the region.