Residents Flee Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Hometown Over Explosive Drones Attacks

Residents of jailed drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's hometown are fleeing after a series of attacks using drones carrying explosives.

Badiraguato, Mexico, has endured such attacks since at least September, CBS News reported. The town is Guzman's birthplace and long has been a central hub related to drug trafficking in Mexico, the network reported.

Governor Ruben Rocha Moya confirmed the use of drones in attacks on the community, adding that fleeing residents were being provided assistance by the government, CBS News reported.

Axios reported in August that Mexican drug cartels had been using drone technology in their operations. The website noted that in some instances, cartels were using drones to drop explosives on rival factions.

According to the New York Times, Cartels have begun using a wide range of weapons, including drones for aerial bombardment and drug smuggling, Claymore landmines, rocket-propelled grenades, mortars built from gas-tank tubes, and armored trucks mounted with heavy machine guns.

"We are witnessing the latest phase of the war: a move toward paramilitary-style tactics and capabilities," Alexei Chávez, a security analyst who has advised the Mexican Army, told the New York Times.

Witnesses to the recent attacks in Badiraguato said the focus appeared to be the La Tuna farm, which belonged to members of Guzman's family, CBS News reported. The network added that armed groups also threatened numerous families in the area. In other instances, roads were blocked and electrical lines cut.