Shootings in Juarez getting closer to U.S. border

Updated: May 9, 2008 06:13 PM PDT

JUAREZ, Mexico - The drug cartel war is being blamed for several deadly shootings Thursday and Friday in an area popular with tourists, the Juarez strip.

Thursday, a deadly shooting happened on Avenida Juarez about one block away from the Paso del Norte International Bridge. Chihuahua State Police said at about 9:30 p.m., two men, agents 27 and 45, were shot to death. Four others were injured, including three municipal police officers.

Around 9:50 p.m., a U.S. citizen arrived at the bridge with a gunshot wound. He collapse about 10 yards past the U.S. border. Paramedics rushed him to an El Paso hospital.

According to officials, there were two more shootings overnight and another Friday morning. Officials said at about 9:00 a.m. Three agents in a police unit were intercepted by a white pickup and shot at. As of Friday evening, authorities had not released their status.

Juarez, and other border cities, have been plauged by increasing drug violence in the last few years.

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