First Reported Use of Weaponized Drones by the Sinaloa Cartel: CJNG Forces Ambushed in Teocaltiche, Jalisco
C/O Futures Cartel Research Note Series Robert J. Bunker and John P. Sullivan
5 June 2023
On 22 April 2023, a Sinaloa Cartel (Cártel de Sinaloa; CDS) ambush used a weaponized drone attack (aerial bombardment) in Teocaltiche, Jalisco on Calle Juárez (Juárez Street) next to the intersection with Pensador Mexicano. A mobile element belonging to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación; CJNG) was targeted, resulting in their vehicle being set on fire and their personnel needing to engage in escape and evasion (E&E) tactics. This is the first documented incident in which the Sinaloa Cartel has overtly utilized weaponized drones and can be considered another firebreak crossed concerning weaponized drone use proliferation amongst the Mexican cartels.
