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MNN US · February 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Mexican Cartels Use US-Made Military Ammunition in Attacks

What happened: Mexican drug cartels have obtained .50-calibre ammunition made at a US Army plant and smuggled it into Mexico, using it in violent attacks on civilians and police.

Why it matters:

  • The flow of US military-grade ammunition to cartels escalates violence in Mexico.
  • Mexican law enforcement and civilians face increased danger from more powerful weapons.

MNN Take: Ammunition produced for the US military is ending up in criminal hands across the border, highlighting challenges in controlling arms trafficking and its consequences for regional security.

Sources: NYTimes US