Part 7/14:
Meanwhile, Colombia remains an active player, with its prolific history of producing elite mercenaries and combatants. Colombian influence on cartels is evidenced by their expertise in IEDs, explosives, and drone warfare, much of which is exported and adapted by Mexican cartels.
The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by the involvement of Russia and China, whose technological and military support—allegedly through cyber-espionage and arms trafficking—arming cartels with advanced drone swarms and weapon platforms.