Drones create new front in fight against cartels

Military forces in Latin America are responding to a surge in drone attacks with drones of their own. In October, the Colombian army activated its first unmanned aircraft battalion at the military base in Tolemaida. The so-called drone battalion is designed to attack and defend against illegal armed groups such as guerrillas, who have also adopted the use of drones to target not only military personnel but also civilians. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Colombia reported its first drone attack in the summer of 2024 but has already recorded 50 so far this year. Mexico recorded 77 drone bombings in 2024, compared with 35 such attacks a year earlier. In this episode of Border Report Live, El Paso correspondent Julian Resendiz discusses how criminal organizations are using drones. During a recent online presentation by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, experts also shared their thoughts on how to counter these criminal drones.