(TLP:CLEAR) First Responder’s Toolbox: Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems by FTO-Designated Mexico-Based Cartels a Danger to U.S. Security Officials and Public Safety

Summary: As part of their First Responder’s Toolbox series, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), DHS, and the FBI published a report to provide public safety officials with awareness of the threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, used by select Mexico-based foreign terrorist organization (FTO)–designated transnational criminal organizations (FDTCOs).

Analyst Note: Over the past decade, paramilitary groups, violent extremist organizations, and other terrorist groups have increasingly exploited commercially available drones to conduct attacks, disseminate propaganda, and surveil adversaries. According to the report, “the increasing use of weaponized UAS by Mexico-based FDTCOs within Mexico’s northern border states is of concern, as is the widespread availability of low-cost, constantly improving, commercially available drones with navigation systems, range, speed, and video that increase their lethality.” The New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) has used explosive-laden drones to attack government personnel and property, highlighting the potential lethality of FDTCOs to critical infrastructure.

The report notes that while there are no known incidents of cartels using UAS to conduct attacks inside the U.S. homeland, FDTCOs will probably avoid actions that would result in U.S. law enforcement scrutiny or jeopardize their cross-border activities. However, increased U.S. pressure against the cartels, such as U.S. military action, could alter their calculus and increase the potential of them orchestrating attacks in the U.S.

The recent drone activity in Europe, moreover, that included Russian drones flying into Polish airspace and unidentified drones flying over Danish airports, underscores the fact that drones are almost certainly set to become an increasing threat to critical infrastructure organizations around the world going forward.

Original Source: https://www.dni.gov/index.php/nctc-how-we-work/joint-ct-assessment-team/first-responder-toolbox/unmanned-aircraft-systems/jcat-168b

Additional Reading:

• Moving Targets: Implications of the Russo-Ukrainian War for Drone Terrorism
• (TLP:GREEN) Recent Congressional Hearing and a Research Report Examine the Increasing Drone Threat to the U.S. Homeland

Mitigation Recommendations:

• CISA – Be Air Aware
• CISA – Suspicious UAS Identification Poster and Postcard

Related WaterISAC PIRs: 1, 2, & 4