By Zoila Palma: Drones are rapidly becoming a powerful tool for organized crime across Latin America, with criminal groups increasingly using the technology for surveillance, smuggling, coordination and attacks, while governments struggle to keep pace.
A report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) recorded around 670 armed-drone events since 2018, with more than 72% occurring between January 2025 and August 21, 2026.
The threat has become particularly visible in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil, CNN reports.
In Brazil, a 2025 police operation in Rio de Janeiro saw a bomb dropped from a drone during a massive raid against the Comando Vermelho criminal organization.
Mexican cartels have also used drones to monitor security forces, territorial rivals and border areas, while attaching explosives to some devices.
In Colombia, armed groups have increasingly incorporated drones into attacks and surveillance, with ACLED identifying the country as the epicenter of armed-drone activity in the region.
Experts say criminal groups are moving beyond experimental drone use toward organized and repeatable operations.
Governments across the region are responding with counter-drone technology, intelligence operations and increased surveillance, but experts warn that criminal innovation is advancing faster than many governments can adapt.
The post International News: Latin America faces growing drone threat as criminal groups take to the skies appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Drones are rapidly becoming a powerful tool for organized crime across Latin America, with criminal groups increasingly using the technology for surveillance, smuggling, coordination and attacks, while governments struggle to keep pace. A report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) recorded around 670 armed-drone events since 2018, with
The post International News: Latin America faces growing drone threat as criminal groups take to the skies appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.