Gunfights in Nuevo Laredo led to flight cancellations and a U.S. consulate warning, highlighting ongoing violence in the region
Nuevo Laredo: On Monday, gunfights rattled this border city, causing chaos and flight cancellations at the local airport. It’s a tough spot, with drug cartel violence being a regular issue.
The trouble kicked off after the arrest of a local cartel leader, known as “El Ricky.” This led to a surge in violence, and the U.S. consulate quickly issued a security alert.
They warned their staff to stay put and avoid going out. Later, they announced they’d be closing the consulate due to the escalating situation.
Flights were grounded, and the mayor mentioned on social media that they’d be rescheduling them for Tuesday. It’s a real mess down there.
Local authorities urged residents to stay indoors for their safety. Just a week before, the consulate had already warned about the dangers of gun battles and kidnappings in the area.
They even mentioned that IEDs were becoming more common, with one recently damaging a government vehicle nearby. It’s a serious concern.
Last week, the U.S. State Department also issued a travel warning for Tamaulipas, highlighting the risks of organized crime, including armed robbery and kidnappings.
Nueva Laredo has seen its fair share of violence, and it’s one of the cities hit hardest by drug-related crime. Just last October, there were tragic incidents involving the army and innocent civilians.
In response to the growing pressure from the U.S., President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to send 10,000 troops to the border to tackle drug trafficking.
