Mexico Gun Violence: US Consulate Issues 'Shelter' Warning After Marines Shootout

The Mexico US consulate situated in Matamoros issued an urgent alert advising residents to shelter in place due to a surge in Mexico gun violence that has erupted within the region, according to NBCDFW.

The consulate informed the public that its staff members are adhering to a shelter-in-place order in response to the prevailing violent crime situation within the city.

Authorities also encouraged US citizens to adopt similar precautionary measures.

In a public announcement shared via social media, the Mexico US consulate General in Matamoros conveyed, "US Consulate General Matamoros employees are currently under a shelter-in-place order until 1:30 PM in Matamoros due to gun violence occurring in the city."

The statement further implored residents to remain indoors and remain informed by following updates from local news sources.

According to information from a state official, the incident unfolded when individuals involved in the altercation confronted a Mexican marine patrolman. Subsequent investigations led to discovering firearms and tactical equipment at the scene.

Matamoros serves as the operational base for the Gulf Cartel, a notorious syndicate involved in drug trafficking and criminal activities. The Jalisco Cartel New Generation also maintains a presence within the city.

Mexico Gun Violence Occurred Amid an Investigation into Kidnapping

The Tamaulipas state communications office, through X, shared information that a clash transpired during an operation connected to a kidnapping investigation.

This confrontation resulted in the loss of four civilian lives. No injuries were reported among the marines involved, per ABC News.

Although the Navy confirmed its personnel's involvement, they abstained from disclosing any specific details related to the incident.

Conversely, the federal Attorney General's Office did not offer any response to inquiries seeking additional information.

Matamoros, a city in Tamaulipas, has been grappling with cells belonging to the Gulf cartel and other organized crime factions.

Notably, the region has been adversely impacted by episodes of violence intertwined with illicit drug trade activities.

Tamaulipas is recognized as one of the nation's most perilous territories, plagued by high crime levels. It is one of six Mexican states subject to a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory issued by the US State Department, reflecting the serious concerns surrounding crime rates and the prevalence of kidnapping incidents.

Recent Mexico Gun Violence in the Area Involved 4 Americans

Matamoros, situated just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas, gained unfortunate notoriety earlier this year when it became the location of a distressing incident involving American citizens, the Daily Mail reports.

Four individuals from the United States were kidnapped, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives.

This unfortunate event unfolded after local gangs seemingly mistook the victims for adversaries of the drug cartels.

The incident, which occurred on March 3, highlighted the dangers posed by criminal elements in the region.

In a noteworthy development, the Gulf Cartel acknowledged its involvement in the crime, and several members confessed to their roles. The cartel even apologized through a letter to Mexican law enforcement authorities.

Five group members subsequently turned themselves in, claiming responsibility for the Mexico gun violence in March.

The American tourists, identified as medical tourists, had entered Matamoros through Brownsville, Texas, traversing the border in a white minivan bearing North Carolina license plates.

Tragically, they were caught during a clash between two armed factions, a situation that Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador later described.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 5 alleged cartel members in Mexico arrested after Americans kidnapped and killed - From ABC News