Gunmen opened fire and targeted a U.S.-bound convoy entering Mexico earlier Saturday, leaving three people wounded.
Mexican officials noted that the incident unfolded on the vital Roma-Ciudad Miguel Alemán International Bridge, bridging the Rio Grande, linking Miguel Aleman and Roma, Texas.
The convoy comprised 20 individuals; 16 from Mexico and four U.S. nationals, traveling in two trucks, a van, and a pickup.
One female received a back gunshot wound, with two men were injured on the leg and finger; their health status remains uncertain.
Conflicting reports surfaced from Tamaulipas security and Mexico’s National Migration Institute about the nationality of the wounded.
Jorge Cuéllar, the Tamaulipas security spokesperson, reported the injured were transported to U.S. officials via the international bridge.
Recent violence surges in Tamaulipas led to federal reinforcements in border towns like San Fernando, Reynosa, and Matamoros, notorious for Gulf Cartel activities.
On 3 March, gunmen in Matamoros abducted four U.S. citizens, resulting in two fatalities and two rescues.
Subsequent arrests included key Gulf Cartel operatives linked to the incident.
Gunmen attacks in Mexico have a complex and multi-faceted history that is intertwined with the nation’s ongoing struggles with organized crime, drug cartels, and corruption. Here’s a brief background on the issue:
Drug Cartels:
Much of the violence in Mexico is attributed to various drug cartels vying for control over lucrative drug trafficking routes to the United States.
These cartels, including the Sinaloa, Gulf, Jalisco New Generation, and Zetas, are known for their extreme violence and have engaged in a myriad of criminal activities including drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and more.
Territorial Disputes:
Cartels often clash over territory, especially areas that are strategic for drug production or trafficking. This has resulted in deadly turf wars, with cartels using gunmen to attack rival members and seize control.
Arms Trafficking:
The accessibility of firearms, many of which are smuggled from the U.S., has played a role in the escalation of violence. Gunmen affiliated with cartels are often heavily armed, using military-grade weapons.
Government Response:
Mexican authorities have had varied responses over the years. In 2006, then-President Felipe Calderón launched a military-led initiative against the cartels.
While this weakened some cartels, it often led to fragmentation, with smaller and sometimes more violent groups emerging.
