Two police officers were killed in a Mexican border city by Gulf Cartel gunmen, despite Tamaulipas government officials claiming the area is safe. This violent incident occurred after a day of cartel blockades and shootouts that instilled fear among locals.
The violence began in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, with cartel gunmen carjacking vehicles and setting up roadblocks to disrupt traffic. This tactic is often used by the Gulf Cartel to thwart authorities during operations targeting cartel leaders.
The violence escalated as authorities attempted to capture Gulf Cartel lieutenant Armando “El Pajarito” Lopez Garcez, prompting his chief enforcer Francisco Sanchez “Wero Motas” Nunez Rincon to send out his security detail to clash with authorities and set up blockades.
Despite clashes throughout the day, government officials did not report any fatalities until a group of gunmen ambushed a squad of police officers in the Palmares neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of two officers. The gunmen managed to escape, and Nunez Rincon remains at large.
Mayoral Candidate Leticia Salazar shared on social media her experience of being caught in the crossfire during the shootouts in the Las Brisas neighborhood. She had to seek shelter in a local family’s home until the violence subsided.
Journalists Ildefonso Ortiz and Brandon Darby can be followed on Twitter and contacted via email for more information on the situation.
