Mexican army deploys heavy machinery to clear narcotics explosives in Michoacán

The Mexican Army deployed heavy machinery, armored mine-clearing vehicles, and specialized personnel to locate and remove explosive devices from rural roads in Michoacán.

This operation is part of the Plan Michoacán por la Paz y la Justicia, a federal government strategy designed to combat criminal organizations and protect local production sectors. Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo stated that the military is focusing on the Apatzingán and Cotija regions through an initiative called Operación Corredor Seguro.

In Apatzingán, the 43 Zona Militar utilizes three heavy machinery units, three armored mine-clearing vehicles, and four explosive counter-cells to clear 14 routes. These roads connect various local communities, including Naranjo Viejo and Loma de los Hoyos. The goal of these actions is to facilitate safe transit and reduce risks for residents and security forces. In the Cotija region, overseen by the 21 Zona Militar, the army planned to clear 51 kilometers of primary routes.

Officials reported that the military cleared 36.3 kilometers of these roads between October 9 and November 4, 2026. These paths connect Cotija to areas such as Paso de Piedra and Los Gallineros. Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch reported that authorities detained 1,424 people for various crimes in Michoacán between November 1, 2025, and October 31, 2026. Among those arrested, 188 were held for extortion.

García Harfuch noted that 42 of these individuals targeted producers in the lime and avocado sectors, which are vital to the state economy. The government also disabled 16 clandestine laboratories and 12 concentration areas during this period.