politics
February 11, 2026
Alleged drones in El Paso airspace cast spotlight on Mexican cartels’ growing arsenals
Closure of airspace draws attention to crime groups’ high-powered weapons – and may give Trump an excuse to attack
TL;DR
- Mexican cartels are increasingly using drones for reconnaissance, drug smuggling, and attacks, including dropping bombs and improvised explosive devices.
- Cartels have become heavily armed with advanced weaponry, including drones, armored vehicles, and grenade launchers, surpassing the capabilities of Mexican authorities.
- Drones are used by cartels for carpet bombing rural areas to displace populations and for long-distance attacks on rivals.
- US officials report daily drone surveillance and drug smuggling across the border, with thousands of drones detected near the southern border.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum disputes allegations of new drone activity at the border.
- Experts warn that cartel drone attacks on US soil could be used as a pretext for a US ground offensive in Mexico.
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