The Gulf Cartel has intensified its hold over Matamoros in Tamaulipas, launching a series of attacks against local officials and their families. Notably, the Mexican army refrained from intervening during these confrontations, leaving local state officials to fend for themselves. It’s worth noting that the Gulf Cartel is among six Mexican drug organizations classified as terrorist entities by the previous Trump administration.
The incident unfolded in Matamoros on Wednesday afternoon. Nancy Galarza Koero, who heads the city’s Civil Protection Bureau, was driving her SUV with her two children when assailants, believed to be at least two gunmen, attempted to block her path and began shooting at them.
During the attack, Galarza and her sons sustained several injuries and sought refuge. Tamaulipas State Police and officials from the state Attorney General’s office arrived quickly and engaged in a standoff with the shooters. According to law enforcement sources, Galarza tried to exit her vehicle to find safety in a nearby house, but residents declined to help.
Emergency personnel eventually arrived and transported Galarza and her children to the hospital, where authorities established security perimeters.
In the aftermath, state officials continued to confront Gulf gunmen who attempted to flee the scene. They set up roadblocks within the city and deployed spike strips, which led to significant traffic disruptions as they tried to slow the shooters.
During the chaos, locals were urged to find shelter as the gunmen indiscriminately fired in the streets. Unfortunately, two Tamaulipas police officers sustained serious injuries and required immediate medical attention at a local hospital.
The violence persisted for several hours as police clashed with the assailants. During this time, international entry ports ceased operations, schools suspended classes, and many businesses shut their doors. This eruption of violence caused unease in the city, prompting residents to stay indoors for the remainder of the night.
It remains uncertain why the cartel gunmen targeted local officials, particularly considering Galarza’s recent appointment—she was the first woman to hold that position. The motivations behind these attacks are still unclear.
