Mexico: Criminal group blocks parts of Highway 85 near Hualahuises, Nuevo Leon State, evening Sept. 27

Event

A criminal group is blocking parts of Highway 85 between Linares and Montemorelos, near Hualahuises, Nuevo Leon State, with burning vehicles, the evening of Sept. 27. Preliminary reports suggest that the group involved is a drug trafficking organization (DTO), likely the Northeast Cartel. The conflict began at approximately 16:30, with clashes between criminals and security officers in the municipality of Doctor Arroyo, Nuevo Leon; officials killed at least three criminals and arrested four others. In an apparently connected incident, armed civilians opened fire on police in Iturbide the afternoon of Sept. 27.

A heightened security presence is likely in the affected area over the coming hours as authorities seek to reestablish control. Associated transport disruptions are probable. Lingering disruptions to highway transit and business operations dependent on freight trucking are likely into early Sept. 28. Further violence is possible.

Hualahuises is approximately 111 km (69 miles) south-southeast of Monterrey. Iturbide is around 113 km (70 miles) south-southeast of Monterrey.

Advice

Avoid the affected area until authorities give the all-clear. Monitor local news sources for further developments. Plan for disruptions to transit and business activities; consider re-routing time-sensitive cargo. Strictly heed the directives of security personnel. Do not attempt to circumvent blockades; wait for authorities to dismantle them.