Why Mexican cartels are increasingly using car bombs and other explosives
Summary
Mexican drug cartels are using car bombs, drones with explosives, and other homemade bombs more often to attack police and rivals. This violent trend is growing mainly in states like Zacatecas and Michoacán, causing injuries and property damage.Key Facts
- A recent car bomb exploded outside a police station in Ojocaliente, Zacatecas, injuring 11 people and damaging over 60 homes.
- In 2026, Zacatecas recorded 23 explosive attacks, including six involving cars or motorcycles filled with bombs.
- The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is linked to many recent bomb attacks and is labeled a foreign terrorist group by the U.S. government.
- Cartels started using explosives widely about five years ago, including dropping bombs from drones and planting roadside bombs.
- In 2023, cartels’ roadside bombs in Jalisco killed six people and injured 14.
- Mexican military seized about 2,800 explosives nationwide in 4.5 years before 2024.
- In Michoacán, nearly 3,200 bombs were neutralized in 2024, and an explosion killed eight soldiers in 2025.
- These attacks could further complicate Mexico’s relations with the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration.
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