17 Cartel Members Arrested in Connection With Mine Blast That Killed 6 Mexican Soldiers

Mexican armed forces have arrested 17 suspected cartel members allegedly linked to the deaths of six soldiers killed by a landmine explosion in the state of Michoacán on Tuesday.

Earlier this week, an armored vehicle from a special task force unit triggered a homemade landmine while traveling along a dirt road in the small community of El Santuario, in the municipality of Los Reyes. The blast killed six members of the military and seriously injured two others.

According to the Mexican Army, the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device. The 17 suspects arrested during a May 30 operation are believed to be tied to the Cártel de Los Reyes, which, along with the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), is one of the criminal groups fighting for control of territories in the region.

Mexico's Defense Ministry told Infobae México that 12 of the detainees are Colombian nationals. All 17 were turned over to the Michoacán Attorney General's Office, where they will be investigated for their suspected role in planting the explosives that killed the soldiers.

The arrests took place at a property authorities say was being used as a cartel safe house. In addition to detaining the suspects, security forces seized firearms, ammunition, two vehicles and materials used to make explosives.

Reports suggest some of the Colombian nationals may be former soldiers or ex-guerrilla fighters recruited by Mexican cartels to manufacture landmine-style explosives. Mexican media outlets have previously reported that drug cartels are actively seeking to lure former Colombian military personnel to Mexico for their expertise in handling and producing explosives.

Earlier this year, a former member of Colombia's armed forces told Animal Político that he was recruited by the CJNG in 2023 in order to handle the installation and production of explosives.

"Soldiers in Colombia have knowledge in all sorts of equipment, including explosives. We know how to activate and deactivate them, as well as how to produce them. That is why we are so sought after by Mexican cartels," he said.

As the investigation continues, the CJNG has denied responsibility for the attack. In a video posted online, five men identifying themselves as members of the cartel's "Delta CJNG" unit claimed the killings could only have been carried out by a rival group led by Juan José Farías Álvarez, known as "El Abuelo Farías," and the Cárteles Unidos.

Although those claims appear to align with preliminary information from federal authorities, neither the Michoacán Attorney General's Office nor the Mexican federal government have responded publicly.

Cárteles Unidos, while not as powerful as the Sinaloa or Jalisco cartels, maintains a strong presence in central Mexico. The group is made up of several smaller factions, including the Tepalcatepec Cartel, Los Viagras and others opposed to the CJNG, which is led by Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes.