Between 800 and 1,000 families in the rural mountains of Guerrero, Mexico, have been forced to abandon their homes following relentless attacks by the criminal group Los Ardillos. The cartel deployed drones rigged with explosives and heavy weaponry, targeting communities in a bid to seize territory from rival factions.
The violence, which began last Wednesday, has left at least one person injured and driven thousands, including children and the elderly, to flee with little more than backpacks. Families sought refuge in nearby towns, with many now sheltering in a soccer field. 'These have been days of terror,' said Marina Velasco of the People’s Indigenous Council of Guerrero – Emiliano Zapata (CIPOG-EZ). 'How can one defend themselves from bombs falling from the sky?'
Mexican Security Forces Criticized for Inaction
Community leaders accused Mexican authorities of failing to protect residents, leaving them vulnerable to cartel aggression. The federal government and Guerrero state officials have yet to comment on the crisis. CIPOG-EZ has documented 76 deaths and 25 disappearances linked to the conflict with Los Ardillos in recent years.
'Communities have been abandoned by Mexican forces,' Velasco stated. 'We are left to fend for ourselves.'
The use of drone warfare by cartels underscores the escalating brutality of Mexico’s organized crime landscape. Guerrero, a region rife with cartel splinter groups, has become a battleground for territorial disputes, prompting some communities to arm themselves in self-defense.
The bloodshed coincides with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s crackdown on cartels, which has reduced homicides by 40% since she took office. However, the latest attacks highlight the persistent threat posed by criminal organizations and the inadequacy of current security measures.