These vehicles are often made from commercial trucks, with steel armor welded on. In Mexico, they are called “Monstruos” or “Monsters”, and are extremely bizarre in appearance.

Many had thick steel rams welded to the front. Others had gun turrets on top. Many were painted in green camouflage to resemble Mexican military vehicles.

The Mexican state of Tamaulipas borders the US state of Texas, where two drug cartels are at war. Prosecutors did not say which gang the vehicles belonged to or when they were seized.

Despite their fearsome appearance, they are also vulnerable to being shot down. Because their steel armor adds so much weight, they tend to be slow, cumbersome, and prone to breaking down. They are easy to spot and vulnerable to incendiary devices or ammunition.

The gangs' weapons also include improvised explosive devices and bomb-dropping drones.

Hoang Nam (according to AP)