The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, Tamaulipas issued a travel warning about drug cartels using land mines and other explosive devices in key border cities in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. The Tamaulipas government initially tried to conceal information about these devices but later welcomed the warnings and advised the public to be cautious when moving through rural areas. Shootouts and the use of improvised explosive devices by cartel gunmen have been reported in various cities in the region, leading to injuries and fatalities. The state of Tamaulipas has been designated as a level 4, similar to active war zones.
Key Points
Increased use of land mines and explosive devices by cartel gunmen in Tamaulipas
Shootouts and explosions reported in cities like Reynosa, Rio Bravo, San Fernando, and Valle Hermoso
State of Tamaulipas designated as a level 4, similar to active war zones
Mexican government officials initially tried to suppress information about explosions and cartel activities
Pros
The travel warning from the U.S. Consulate raises awareness about the dangers of drug cartel violence in Tamaulipas
The Tamaulipas government eventually acknowledged the issue and warned the public to be cautious
Cons
Previous attempts to conceal information about explosive devices and discredit alerts about cartel activities