Between 800 and 1,000 families have had to abandon their homes in the mountainous regions of central Mexico following attacks from a criminal group armed with homemade explosives and powerful weapons being launched from drones, local communities and human rights organizations reported on Sunday.
The violence erupted in the troubled state of Guerrero on Wednesday when the notorious group known as Los Ardillos began its severe onslaught against rural mountain areas.
In just a few days, thousands—children and the elderly included—have been displaced after what residents describe as a troubling increase in attacks over recent years.
The Indigenous Council of Guerrero Emiliano Zapata (CIPOG-EZ), which represents the affected community, has confirmed at least one injury among the victims.
Footage captured early Sunday morning on Mother’s Day shows a family fleeing in the dark, clutching only backpacks.
Other visuals shared by the Associated Press depict scenes of heavy gunfire reverberating across farmlands, alongside drones equipped with explosives hidden in the bushes.
“These were terrifying days,” remarked Marina Velasco, a representative of CIPOG-EZ. “They’re bombing our communities with drones. How can we defend ourselves against such attacks from the sky?”
Local and religious groups indicate that Los Ardillos has long been attempting to assert control over land amid ongoing territorial conflicts with other criminal organizations.
Velasco shared that his family was relocated to a nearby town, and many are currently seeking refuge in a soccer field. He mentioned that while the presence of state authorities is minimal, the Mexican military has largely “abandoned” these communities during such assaults.
Requests for comments from the federal government and local authorities in Guerrero went unanswered.
CIPOG-EZ has documented that recent clashes with Los Ardillos have resulted in 76 casualties, with an additional 25 individuals reported missing.
For years, cartels have relied on drones and advanced weaponry to escalate their conflicts, highlighting the entrenched nature of violence in regions like Guerrero, where rival factions vie for control.
In response, more communities are beginning to arm themselves against groups like Los Ardillos.
This surge in violence coincides with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum adopting a more aggressive approach towards cartels than her predecessor, amid external pressures, including threats of military action from President Donald Trump, which Sheinbaum has labeled as “unnecessary.”
Notably, under her leadership, homicide rates have reportedly dropped by around 40% since she assumed office, a statistic the government has touted despite facing various scandals in recent weeks.
