Ten Colombian former soldiers were among the suspects arrested after an improvised landmine killed six Mexican troops in a drug cartel heartland this week, authorities said Friday.

Their capture shone a spotlight on the growing involvement of foreign ex-military personnel with Mexican drug traffickers.

More than 40 explosive devices were seized along with other weapons in the western state of Michoacan, according to statements from the national and local governments.

In total, 17 suspected members of a criminal group, including a dozen Colombians, were detained in the municipality of Los Reyes, authorities said.

The blast late Tuesday destroyed the armored vehicle in which the Mexican troops were traveling, according to an internal military report seen by AFP.

Military planes and heli

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