TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) In a significant development, police in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas showcased an array of armed drones on Tuesday, claiming it will enhance their capabilities in the ongoing battle against heavily armed drug cartels vying for dominance along the border with Guatemala. This unveiling comes as authorities grapple with the challenges posed by cartels that employ advanced weaponry, including drones capable of deploying improvised explosive devices.
Mexican authorities have historically been outgunned, necessitating a demonstration of firepower to match the escalating threats posed by criminal organizations. The Chiapas state police force recently found itself at the center of an international diplomatic incident when pursuing alleged gunmen into Guatemala, culminating in a prolonged shootout in the border town of La Mesilla. This altercation underscores the tense dynamics prevalent in the region.
The armed drones introduced by Chiapas Security Secretary Óscar Aparicio Avendaño could potentially be outfitted to carry weapons or combat fires. However, details regarding the rules of engagement governing the use of these drones by police remain unclear. A photo released by authorities depicted a drone equipped with a semiautomatic rifle mounted below it, raising questions about the operational protocols for deploying such technology in law enforcement scenarios.
Elsewhere in Mexico, particularly in the state of Michoacan, police have been exploring new tactics to counteract cartel drones that drop explosives. Some law enforcement agencies have experimented with signal jamming technology or deploying nets designed to disable these aerial threats, reflecting a growing recognition of the necessity to adapt to the evolving landscape of organized crime.
Chiapas has experienced significant turmoil in recent years due to competition between Mexico's two most powerful drug cartels: the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. These groups are engaged in fierce battles for control of profitable smuggling routes along the Guatemalan border, which are pivotal for trafficking drugs, arms, and migrants. Consequently, the state has witnessed severe social repercussions, including mass displacements of populations, with hundreds fleeing into Guatemala to escape cartel violence.
The newly instated state government has shifted its strategy to reinforce the police force, taking on security responsibilities that were previously managed by the military. This move, however, has not been without controversy. A whistleblower from the state police special forces unit, known as the Pakals, recently alleged that corruption was present within the police ranks, with some officers purportedly colluding with organized crime. Following these allegations, a police commander was dismissed, and an investigation has been launched to address these serious claims.
The enhancement of the state police has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations. Critics argue that the alleged successes claimed by authorities could be misleading, potentially reflecting a trend towards militarization rather than effective dismantling of drug cartel operations. The complexities surrounding law enforcement in Chiapas highlight ongoing challenges in achieving sustainable security and stability in a region plagued by violence and corruption.
