The U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo issued a security alert about several shootouts and blockades in the border city. The skirmishes injured at least one innocent bystander.
The shootouts began on Wednesday morning when gunmen from the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN) faction of Los Zetas attacked a convoy of Tamaulipas state police. Law enforcement sources say the gunmen in armored SUVs were targeting commanding officers.
As a result of the escalating violence, the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo issued a security notice advising U.S. employees to shelter in place. Diplomatic officials in Nuevo Laredo sent similar alerts in recent months when clashes caused the entire city to shut down.
Security Alert: The Consulate has received reports of multiple gunfights and blockades throughout the city of Nuevo Laredo. U.S. government personnel are advised to shelter in place. Enroll in STEP to receive security updates: https://t.co/zoFOuhSXpe pic.twitter.com/qyAZK75Db3
— USCG Nvo Laredo (@USAConNVL) April 1, 2020
Mexican authorities fought off the attack and called for backup. In response, CDN-Los Zetas foot soldiers also known as “Tropas del Infierno” or Hell’s Troops set up blockades throughout Nuevo Laredo to tie up traffic.
Shortly before noon the shootouts ended and Tamaulipas state police officers managed to remove most blockades. Emergency medical personnel treated an innocent bystander from the shootout.
Over the weekend, the commander of La Tropa del Infierno died after an ambush targeting Tamaulipas State Police. One officer also died. Hugo “Comandante Pin Pon” Salcido Cisneros died at a local hospital. Pin Pon was listed as a “most wanted” fugitive by both the U.S. and Tamaulipas authorities.
Ildefonso Ortiz is an award-winning journalist with Breitbart Texas. He co-founded Breitbart Texas’ Cartel Chronicles project with Brandon Darby and senior Breitbart management. You can follow him on Twitter and on Facebook. He can be contacted at Iortiz@breitbart.com.
Brandon Darby is the managing director and editor-in-chief of Breitbart Texas. He co-founded Breitbart Texas’ Cartel Chronicles project with Ildefonso Ortiz and senior Breitbart management. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. He can be contacted at bdarby@breitbart.com.
Tony Aranda from Breitbart Texas’ Cartel Chronicles project contributed to this report
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