Mexico: Nine people injured in armed attack in Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas State, Sept. 9

Event

Increased security measures are likely in Miguel Aleman, Tamaulipas State, following an armed attack early Sept. 9 that injured nine people, including four US citizens. The attack occurred at approximately 04:00 when two vehicles carrying approximately 20 travelers who had recently crossed the US/Mexico border were intercepted by an armored vehicle on the Riberena Highway near the Angel Monument at the entrance of the Los Guerra neighborhood. The vehicles then came under fire from a group of individuals authorities said belonged to an organized criminal group. The injured US citizens were transported back across the border to Roma, Texas, to receive medical treatment.

A heavy police and military presence is likely in the area as authorities continue to investigate the incident.

Context

The area is largely dominated by the Northeast Cartel (Cartel del Noreste, CDN), a major drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in the Frontera Chica area of Tamaulipas where Miguel Aleman is located. The CDN likely carried out the attack, perhaps because it mistook the travels for members of a rival DTO.

Advice

Avoid the area. Heed the instructions of security personnel.