HQtest Travel News has issued an urgent travel advisory for individuals considering travel to Mexico, citing a sharp escalation in cartel-related violence and the increasing use of advanced weaponry by organized crime groups.

According to recent security assessments, Mexican narcotics organizations—commonly referred to as drug cartels—are no longer relying solely on traditional firearms. Intelligence reports indicate that these groups are now equipped with military-grade machine guns, heavy weaponry, and weaponized drones capable of delivering explosives.

Authorities have documented hundreds of incidents in which cartels have used drones for surveillance, smuggling, and direct attacks on rivals and security forces. In some cases, drones have been modified to drop improvised explosive devices (IEDs), resulting in fatalities among both law enforcement personnel and civilians.

The U.S. Border Patrol and Mexican security agencies have warned that these tactics mirror those used by paramilitary forces, making certain regions of Mexico particularly dangerous for foreign visitors. Areas most affected include parts of Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua, where cartel activity is intense and violent confrontations are frequent.

Given the heightened risk of being caught in crossfire or targeted attacks, HQtest Travel News strongly advises against non-essential travel to Mexico at this time. Travelers already in the country are urged to remain vigilant, avoid high-risk areas, and monitor official government advisories for updates.