Mexico Army Kills 12 Alleged Cartel Gunmen in Deadly Shootout Near Border With Texas
A deadly shootout between the Mexican Army and alleged members of a drug cartel happened across the border from Roma, Texas, with 12 of the alleged gunmen killed.
The incident happened in Tamaulipas state, in the township of Miguel Aleman, just across the border from Roma, Texas. The Mexico Defense Department, SEDENA, stated on Sunday that gunmen who are allegedly part of a Mexican drug cartel attacked Mexican soldiers who fought back, killing 12 of their attackers.
SEDENA also noted that the 12 gunmen have been "reduced" in the shootout. According to the Associated Press, this term is an old-style reference to killing suspects. Authorities also confirmed that they seized "12 long weapons, cartridges, and magazines of various calibers" at the scene of the gunfight.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Mexican soldiers, with the Mexican Army also admitting that it does not have any information as to who it was that attacked its soldiers at the moment.
Mexico Cartel Members Tried To Ambush Mexico Army Soldiers in Deadly Firefight
The shootout was confirmed by a spokesperson for the office of Tamaulipas, who revealed that the attacked Mexican soldiers were only patrolling an area in Miguel Aleman when the alleged members of the drug cartel attacked them.
The spokesperson added that the alleged drug cartel members "were hiding in the bush" at around 2:00 PM local time when they attacked the soldiers, who were part of SEDENA. The Tamaulipas state spokesperson then added that the Mexican Army used drones and a helicopter to counter their assailants, to which they emerged victorious in the clash, according to CBS News.
READ NEXT : Gulf Cartel Leader 'La Kena' Captured in Mexico
Tamaulipas state, which shares a border with Texas, is considered an important drug trafficking route by these dangerous Mexican cartels, with various groups vying for supremacy in the state over these important drug trafficking routes.
The state is also where four American tourists were kidnapped by the notorious Gulf Cartel last year. They were held at gunpoint, with two of them being killed, along with a local woman, Areli Pablo Servando, 33, who was caught in the crossfire. The Gulf Cartel is just one of the many groups operating and fighting over the northern Mexican border state.
Miguel Aleman Township Site of Many Violent Encounters With Mexico's Most Dangerous Drug Cartels
Drug cartel-related violence is nothing new for the border town of Miguel Aleman, as the town has been a site of attacks from these drug cartels on civilians and rival gang members.
According to the Associated Press, another incident happened there last September, where alleged cartel members attacked a group of nine people who were crossing over from the Texas side of the border. The group's convoy was reportedly hit by one of their modified armored tricks before getting fired upon.
The assailants later fled, but three, including a US citizen, were injured. The others suffered panic attacks.
READ NEXT : Mexico Gang Killings: Dozens of Mutilated Bodies Found in Monterrey in Suspected Gang Purge
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Mexico shootout leaves at least 10 dead - NBC News
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!