Bomb attacks by Mexican gangs on the rise, officials say

Mexico is experiencing a surge in bomb attacks orchestrated by drug gangs, according to local authorities. These incidents range from car bombings to drones packed with explosives, marking a significant escalation in cartel violence over the past three years, officials claim. The most recent attack took place on Sunday in the central state of Zacatecas, where a suspected car bomb detonated outside a police station, injuring at least 11 people, including two officers. The explosion caused significant damage to around 40 structures in the city of Ojocaliente.

The governor of Zacatecas, David Monreal, suggested that the attack was an act of retaliation following the arrest of one of the gang's members on Saturday. Earlier this year, there have been nearly a dozen similar incidents, some utilizing "mini drones" loaded with explosives or landmines, indicating a change in the methods employed by criminal groups.

In recent years, such attacks have become more frequent in Zacatecas. In 2024, only one was recorded, while in 2025 there were six, with ten occurring so far in 2026, according to Arturo Medina, the state’s security head. The total number of victims from these attacks is not specified by Medina.

Monreal emphasized that organized crime is evolving, noting the growing complexity and brutality of the attacks. Similar explosions have been reported in other states like Michoacan, where criminal groups have targeted security facilities, communities, or law enforcement using explosives. Military personnel have also been killed in these incidents.

As of now, the central Mexican government has not issued any official statement regarding the rising wave of bomb attacks by drug gangs across the country.