Gulf Cartel unleashes terror with explosive drones in border turf war

In recent days, the Gulf Cartel has escalated its violent tactics in the northern part of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The criminal organization has released a video showcasing their use of drones to drop improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on rivals and police forces, highlighting the ongoing turf war for control over drug and human smuggling routes. This video, filmed in Rio Bravo, just south of Donna, Texas, features members of the Escorpion faction of the Gulf Cartel arming a drone while a narcocorrido plays, illustrating their brazen approach to violence. As the Escorpiones faction confronts the rival Metros faction based out of Reynosa, both sides have increasingly resorted to using armed vehicles and large gunmen deployments in their clashes. Up until recently, their use of explosives was predominantly limited to makeshift landmines deployed along rural roads to deter incursions from competitors. However, the dynamics have shifted, and there have been confirmed reports of drones being used in attacks targeting police forces, dramatically increasing the stakes of their ongoing battles. The Tamaulipas government has struggled to manage the narrative surrounding these attacks, initially attempting to downplay incidents by claiming some explosive blasts were caused by improperly stored fireworks for church events. Nevertheless, as explosive devices were found in the aftermath of attacks, it became increasingly difficult to deny the reality of cartel violence using drones. This pattern of violence not only reflects the ongoing drug war but also raises concerns regarding public safety and law enforcement response efforts. These developments come on the heels of previous reports about the arrest of William Louis Anhert, a former U.S. Army soldier who was allegedly instructing the Escorpiones on constructing these explosive devices. His arrest highlights the troubling trend of cartels employing former military personnel to enhance their operational capabilities, further complicating the fight against organized crime in the region. As violence continues to escalate, both local residents and law enforcement agencies confront the grim reality of an increasingly militarized cartel presence in their communities, leading to fears of broader repercussions along the border.