AI Governance
Data Centers
Drones
Climate
Privacy
2026 Maine Senate
Bob Dylan
Last Update: 09/22/2026 at 11:34 PM EST
Latin American Drone Security
Coverage from CNN, Al Jazeera, and others
Across Latin America, organized-crime networks and armed groups have adapted inexpensive commercial drones for surveillance, smuggling, logistics, intimidation, territorial control, and explosive attacks.
Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil are major settings, with Colombian groups also using thermal sensors and reportedly fiber-optic control links in attacks affecting security forces, infrastructure, aviation, and communities. Governments are expanding detection, jamming, interdiction, police aviation, and procurement programs, but uneven preparedness, attribution challenges, and civilian protection remain central concerns.
Looking Back
120 Day Timeline
Jul 8
Jul 20
Aug 1
Aug 13
Aug 25
Sep 6
Sep 18
All Articles23 articles
Important
Organized crime groups in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil are using commercial drones for surveillance, smuggling and attacks, prompting expanded counter-drone operations across Latin America.
9/9/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Colombia's Ombudsman's Office reported a 146 percent rise in armed-group drone attacks during the first five months of 2026, killing 21 people and wounding 145 nationwide.
9/18/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Colombian officials said ELN guerrillas used explosive-dropping drones to attack a military compound in Ocaña, Colombia, killing three soldiers and wounding four.
9/8/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
The National Liberation Army allegedly used at least 20 explosive-laden drones to attack a Colombian military garrison in Ocaña on Friday, killing two soldiers and wounding five.
9/5/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
The ELN allegedly used explosive-laden drones to attack a Colombian military compound in Ocaña, killing three soldiers and injuring four others on Friday night.
9/5/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Organized crime groups expanded drone surveillance, logistics and attacks across Latin America from 2018 through August 2026, especially in Mexico, Colombia and Brazil.
9/9/2026 • Public Safety, Emergency Response & Government Use • General
Armed and criminal groups are increasingly using weaponised drones for surveillance and attacks in Colombia, creating a growing security challenge for authorities and civilians.
9/4/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
The ELN allegedly used drones to drop explosives on a Colombian military unit in Ocaña on Friday, killing three soldiers and wounding four near the Venezuelan border.
9/5/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Guerrero residents reported drone-delivered bomb attacks on Wednesday in Guajes de Ayala as Mexico's Security Cabinet initially denied the incidents.
7/8/2026 • Public Safety, Emergency Response & Government Use • General
Three Ecuadorian fishing boats were attacked by unidentified drone-linked forces between January and March 2026 in Pacific waters, leaving eight crew members missing and prompting investigations.
9/16/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
In March, Ecuadorian fisherman Jose Hernan Flores said US forces used drones to destroy his vessel near Ecuador, intensifying coastal fears over counter-narcotics operations.
9/11/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Ecuadorian fishermen reported explosive-drone attacks by unidentified armed men against Pacific fishing boats in January and March during a regional counter-drug campaign.
8/12/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Residents in Guajes de Ayala, Guerrero reported cartel drone bomb attacks early Wednesday after weeks of warning authorities about La Nueva Familia Michoacana.
7/8/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Interesting
Armed gangs used surveillance drones before launching a deadly August attack on Kenscoff, Haiti, after security forces were reduced and armored vehicles withdrawn.
9/17/2026 • Public Safety, Emergency Response & Government Use • General
Colombian criminal and armed groups sought Ukrainian drone-warfare training during 2024 and 2025 to improve attacks against Colombian security forces in Colombia.
8/6/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Rep. Joaquin Castro raised oversight questions in a House hearing about Vectus Global drone operations in Haiti, citing reported civilian deaths from Human Rights Watch and UN missions.
7/22/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
U.S. security officials told Congress on July 21 that Vectus Global drones in Haiti will see tighter coordination with a government Task Force as rights groups cite civilian deaths.
7/21/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Guerrero residents reported cartel drone bomb attacks Wednesday in Guajes de Ayala while authorities denied the claims and cited security verification.
7/10/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
US security officials told Congress in July 2026 they plan closer coordination with Vectus Global drone operations in Haiti under Gang Suppression Force oversight.
7/21/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
Organized crime groups in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia expanded armed-drone operations through 2025 and 2026, prompting government counter-drone deployments across Latin America.
9/9/2026 • Counter-Drone & Airspace Security • General
Colombian armed groups attacked Tibu airport on July 9, 2026, as expanding commercial-drone capabilities increasingly threatened aviation infrastructure and military assets in Colombia.
8/6/2026 • Military Drones & Battlefield Use • General
U.S. officials told Congress in 2026 about planned closer coordination with Vectus Global drones in Haiti as Human Rights Watch reported high civilian casualties linked to gang-suppression strikes.
7/21/2026 • Public Safety, Emergency Response & Government Use • General
Additional
Colombia, Brazil, and Mexico expanded counter-drone programs in 2025 and 2026 as criminal groups used commercial aircraft for surveillance and explosive attacks across major cities and conflict regions.
8/26/2026 • Counter-Drone & Airspace Security • General