In a significant development, Mexican police and soldiers have discovered a small factory engaged in the production of drone bombs, grenade launchers, and fake military uniforms. The factory, located in the town of La Huacana in the western Michoacan state, was found late on Wednesday.

Authorities revealed that the facility was equipped with advanced machinery, including a computer-controlled lathe and milling machine, indicating that the operators possessed extensive knowledge of metalworking. The factory specialized in manufacturing bombs typically dropped by drones, as well as under-barrel, 40mm grenade launchers designed to be attached to assault rifles.

The discovery of this factory sheds light on the ongoing turf wars between the notorious Jalisco cartel and local gangs in Michoacan. These rival factions have long been engaged in fierce battles in the region, utilizing a wide range of weaponry such as bomb-dropping drones, improvised explosive devices hidden in roadways, powerful sniper rifles, homemade armored vehicles, and grenades. Additionally, they have been known to establish checkpoints on highways and don fake military uniforms to further their illicit activities.

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory cautioning Americans against visiting Michoacan due to the high levels of crime and kidnapping prevalent in the area. Last year, the department stated, "Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state, and U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been victims of kidnapping."

Tragically, just last week, an alleged cartel-operated drone carried out an attack in a remote community in the neighboring state of Guerrero, bordering Michoacan. The assault resulted in the deaths of five individuals, as confirmed by the Guerrero state prosecutor's office. In a statement, the office attributed the attack to a "confrontation" between two rival criminal groups, La Familia Michoacana and Los Tlacos, who are vying for control of the area.

The discovery of this factory and the recent drone attack further highlight the grave security challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in Mexico. Efforts to curb the violence and dismantle criminal networks remain a priority as authorities work towards restoring peace and stability in the affected regions.