Grenades, bullets fly in Reynosa; Gulf lieutenant may have been captured

December 22, 20119:08 AM
The Monitor

Firefights, grenade explosions and chases broke out in Reynosa once again Wednesday night defying regular assurances by state officials that all was well.

And unconfirmed reports from sources outside law enforcement point to the capture of a ranking lieutenant in the Gulf Cartel, possibly a plaza boss. Mexican authorities wouldn’t confirm or deny the capture.

The clashes began as a chase between gunmen shortly after 7:30 p.m. before authorities got involved, according to preliminary information released by a local law enforcement official not authorized to speak publicly.

The official wouldn’t comment on the gunmen’s affiliation but said the fighting was intense; various explosive devices and large-caliber weapons were used.

The fighting soon spread to various parts of the city as members of the rival groups deployed convoys of gunmen to the battle. Convoys of SUVs were seen speeding down Libramiento and Jarachina Boulevard.

The fighting died down as authorities arrived, dispersing the combatants and spurring small chases and search operations.

But firefights broke out again later in the night.

The areas where fighting took place were along El Maestro Boulevard, Mozart Street, Paseo de la Canada, Narcizo Mendoza neighborhood, 20th Street, Las Torres Avenue, Colonia Las Fuentes and other parts of the city.

About 9:30 p.m., firefights were reported in Matamoros, as well.

VALLE HERMOSO
On Tuesday, Mexican soldiers killed four gunmen and arrested 18 gunmen — including three women — during a heavy clash in the city of Valle Hermoso, which lies about 12 miles south of Matamoros. According to information released by the military, the soldiers were conducting reconnaissance patrols when they came under fire.

After the fighting, authorities seized 47 rifles, including AK-47s and AR-15s, 297 ammunition magazines and more than 7,000 rounds of ammunition.

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