Members of the Mexican drug cartel "New Generation Jalisco" (CJNG) have undergone training in Ukraine to master drone warfare, according to a report from the Mexican newspaper Milenio. The training, which took place in an active conflict zone, allowed cartel operatives to gain firsthand experience in modern combat techniques, including the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for precision strikes.
The report cites law enforcement sources in Jalisco, revealing that CJNG members learned tactical skills such as movement in pairs, using cover, and retreat strategies, all characteristic of intense combat scenarios. The cartel has already incorporated UAVs into its operations, utilizing them to conduct airstrikes against rival gangs and government forces in remote areas.
As previously reported, CJNG is forming specialized combat units of at least ten members each, capable of simultaneously operating two drones loaded with explosives. The UAVs being used include civilian models like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, which has been adapted for combat purposes. This shift in tactics aligns CJNG"s operations more closely with guerrilla warfare methodologies.
The implications of this development are significant, as the cartel"s enhanced capabilities may escalate violence in Mexico and complicate law enforcement efforts. With CJNG already employing drone technology, the potential for increased conflict is a pressing concern for both local and international authorities.
