The escalating violence in Mexico’s western state of Michoacán has drawn attention to the alarming rise of cartels’ paramilitary capabilities. Recent attacks on villages have seen these organized criminal groups deploying advanced weaponry such as drones, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and other military-grade equipment. Paulina Villegas, an expert on the region’s security issues, provides a detailed examination of the aftermath of these assaults, emphasizing the increasing threat to civilian populations and the broader implications for national security.