“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat
Luis Crescencio Sandoval González, head of the National Defense Secretariat (SEDENA) reported on March 8, 2024, that his institution was seeking to acquire technology to “counteract” drone and explosive device attacks from drug traffickers, mainly in the state of Michoacán.
During the presidential morning press conference, which took place in Morelia, Michoacán, the general indicated that this state was where drone attacks and the use of improvised explosive devices had increased the most.
“Indeed, we have had some attacks with drones, mainly here, in Michoacán, is the state where they have increased. We’ve had the largest number here. Also the use of improvised explosive devices. Also here, in the state. If I remember correctly, about 980 explosive devices have been secured,” said Sandoval González.
“And this has led us to take action on this. We have been looking at what actions would lead us to protect our staff better. To acquire technology that allows us to counteract the action of drones,” added the military command.
“And also technology that allows us to quickly locate this type of explosive devices, to avoid harming our personnel when they are carrying out reconnaissance activities or patrols in areas where organized crime is present,” explained the head of SEDENA, who pointed out that they had a plan that would be presented to the Security Cabinet, in order to have these technological tools.
“We already have a plan that will be presented to the Security Cabinet to be able to have these technological tools that will ultimately allow us to provide the security that our personnel requires,” concluded Sandoval González.
A group of armed men, supposedly members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), ambushed, on Thursday, February 29, 2024, elements of the SEDENA, on the limits of the municipalities of Tepalcatepec and Aguililla, in the state of Michoacán.
The first reports from local media indicated that the military convoy was attacked with bullets fired from drones and explosives placed on the dirt roads, on Cerro Las Cocinas, located between the towns of El Montoso and Terrenatillo.
The soldiers assigned to the 43rd Military Zone responded to the attack and a confrontation took place that lasted several minutes. The result was at least four soldiers killed and another nine wounded.
The area where the ambush against the SEDENA elements occurred is a territory disputed by the “El Abuelo” cartels, headed by Juan José Farías Álvarez, in alliance with the Knights Templar, against the CJNG.
A day later, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador regretted that a group of armed men, supposedly members of the CJNG, ambushed, on Thursday, February 29 of this year, elements of the SEDENA, near the municipalities of Tepalcatepec and Aguililla, in the state of Michoacán.
“We are very sorry for this crime, this took place in Tierra Caliente, in Aguililla. They found out about a camp, they went to the camp, they traveled in vehicles as far as they could go, then they walked,” explained the national leader.
“But on the way back they did not take the same path, but another and there, in the bush, there was a trap, an explosive and they came together and due to that explosion a soldier died right there,” revealed the Tabasco politician, who also provided details regarding the circumstances of the attack against the SEDENA elements.
The president explained that the victims were treated immediately, but it was not possible to save their lives. In addition, he sent his condolences to the families of the soldiers, who, according to him, were already receiving the necessary assistance.
“And this is what the Army, the Navy, the National Guard, the Armed Forces have to face,” emphasized the head of the Federal Executive Branch, during his morning press conference, held from the Treasury Room of the National Palace.