Mexican cartels increase use of car bombs and explosives

Mexican drug cartels are increasingly employing car bombs, drones, and improvised explosive devices, marking a shift in tactics that has heightened security concerns. A recent explosion involving 200 kilograms of explosives occurred outside a police station in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas. While no fatalities were reported, the blast injured 11 people and caused damage to more than 60 homes.

State Attorney General Cristian Paul Camacho reported that Zacatecas has seen 23 explosive attacks so far this year, six of which involved vehicles. The violence in the region is attributed to ongoing territorial conflicts between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel.

Federal Security Chief Omar García Harfuch and President Claudia Sheinbaum visited the area to address the situation. The escalation in explosive use is viewed as a potential flashpoint for diplomatic tension with the United States, following rhetoric from President Donald Trump regarding military intervention against cartels.