The US consulate in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, has issued warnings about various scams along specific highways near the Mexican border. This alert comes after a group of gunmen targeted at least ten individuals in three different incidents. It’s still unclear if any similar occurrences have been reported elsewhere.
This week, the US Consulate in Matamoros cautioned against traveling on highways linking the metropolitan areas of Reynosa and Monterrey due to increased risks of crime and possible threats. The Tamaulipas region is classified as a Level 4 area, the highest warning, which is also designated for active war zones.
The consulate advised anyone who might still be considering travel to:
- Exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops.
- Plan their trips carefully.
- Keep an eye on local news for updates.
- Stay aware of their surroundings.
- Inform friends and family about their safety.
As part of their ongoing caution, they referred to a message from the Director of Public Safety in Reynosa, who shared a video advising locals to steer clear of night travel and to avoid unnecessary stops. If stopping was necessary, he suggested doing so in populated areas, like gas stations.
This warning follows an incident on June 16 when a gunman lured five musicians and their drivers to the city of General Terran, having set up a makeshift obstacle for them.
A few days later, the same gunman invited three women who were driving from Monterrey to Reynosa. In a coinciding incident, a doctor traveling the same route was also targeted. Authorities in Nuevo Leon managed to conduct raids at three separate locations near Los Ramones, successfully rescuing the victims.
The assailant is believed to be affiliated with the Cartel del Noreste faction of Los Zetas, which has been encroaching into territories once held by the Gulf Cartel.
