Posted on 02/02/2011 11:14:37 AM PST by SwinneySwitch
Mexican military patrols were on the lookout Tuesday for a group of Zeta gunmen that had entered Matamoros with plans to carry out several attacks.
Locals reported seeing the military convoys, which were larger and more heavily armed than usual, patrol the city keeping an eye on high-profile vehicles.
A source with firsthand knowledge of criminal activity in Tamaulipas stated that a group of approximately 50 Zetas were able to enter the city and hide amid the confusion of the weekend fighting between the Zetas, the Gulf Cartel and the Mexican military.
On Monday afternoon, the source confirmed a clash between the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas along the highway that connects Matamoros with Ciudad Victoria, on the city’s outskirts. It was not known if there were casualties.
The source also confirmed that an unknown number of Zetas entered Valle Hermoso over the weekend and amid the fighting with the Gulf Cartel, committed various acts of terrorism including torching vehicles, businesses and two strip clubs.
Official figures on the number of dead have not been released, but the source stated that the casualties were high.
According to the Mexican Navy, on Sunday two Mexican marines were injured during an attack to their command post in Valle Hermoso, a press release states. In response to the attack, the marines called for air support and fought back.
During the attack, one SUV rammed the command post, while another provided cover fire, the release stated.
Mexican marines were able to disable both SUVs and arrest the drivers, identified as Juan Francisco “El Chapas” Chapa Gonzalez, 39, and Luis Emiliano “Luisin” Vasquez Mendoza, 24. Another unidentified gunman was killed in the attack, the release stated. Their weapons were also seized. While the Mexican Navy was fighting the attackers, another gun battle between members of organized crime was taking place in city streets.
Also Sunday, the Mexican Army was sent to control the fighting and came under fire by members of organized crime. The soldiers fought back and ended up seizing four SUVs and some ammunition and magazines. Details on the number of dead were not available.
On Saturday, Zetas and Gulf Cartel members clashed in Matamoros, leaving an unknown number of dead and injured.
The fighting turned into a three-way firefight when Mexican marines responded to the gunfight in the city’s La Encantada neighborhood and arrested eight Gulf Cartel members, four of them who were injured.
Since the weekend the Matamoros General Hospital Alfredo Pumarejo was surrounded by military troops.
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Another ground battle between the Zetas and the Mexican Marines. And the marines had to call in air support.
There are Zetas here in our country and Janet is running around talking about how safe our border is now that she is in charge.
Most folks in this country don’t understand just how dangerous the narco gangs are. They are taking on the Mexican military in areas controlled by the military and during the day. And they keep on attacking.
There is a civil war in Mexico and our “leaders” in dc continue to ignore the situation. Guess if it doesn’t affect them, it doesn’t exist.
Today’s M3 Foreign News report from NAFBPO
El Universal (Mexico)
“El Gato” , Linked to Murders in Acapulco
(Mexico City) Miguel Gómez Vásquez, known as ‘El Gato’ and identified as the head of the Independent Cartel of Acapulco or CIDA, has been arrested by the Federal Police. He is linked to the disappearance and murder of 20 people in September 2010, and also beheading’s the first days of this year. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of an AK47 and ammunition, marijuana, cocaine and crack cocaine.
http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/741543.html
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La Hora (Guatemala) 1/31/2011
Violence has Surpassed Hospital Capacity
Guillermo Echevarria, Deputy Minister of Health, said that any increase in violence is beyond the capacity of any hospital, but he expressed examples of what has happened in the first month of this year. He noted that one hospital had 19 gunshot patients in one afternoon, and 2 days later, there were 17 at the other principal hospital. The problem is that these patients all have to be treated simultaneously. But, he noted, that even with increased staff, the level of violence has still exceeded capacity of the hospital staff. The official explained that the outpatient clinics at the hospitals are also seeing more patients, so a plan has been formed to refer them to local clinics where the people live.
http://www.lahora.com.gt/notas.php?key=80495&fch=2011-01-31
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La Prensa (Honduras) 2/1/2011
Armored Car Robbery with Backhoe
(Ceguaca) About 15 heavily armed men used a backhoe Monday to rob an armored vehicle of 4 million lempiras (US $211393.14) and another $200,000 in cash, or US $412216.62 total. The armored vehicle had another car with 4 guards accompanying it. After a bank pickup, the gunmen used a dump truck & backhoe to block a road, then shot out tires of the armored van. Several guards were wounded during the gunfight, and after all were tied, the backhoe was used to break into the money. The gunmen then stole vehicles at the scene and escaped. The local mayor has asked for more police, due to attacks on farmers and delivery trucks.
http://tinyurl.com/4zrd64w
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Frontera (Mexico) 2/1/2011
Couple Arrested for Murders
(Tijuana, Baja California) A couple was arrested for several murders committed for a cartel cell run by a woman. According to the Attorney General of the State (PGJE), the detainees are Juan Luis García Sánchez, “El Chino” or “El Cholo”, 38, Cristina Ibarra Ramírez, “La Gorda” or “Cristy”, age 25. They were in possession of a 9mm Glock which has been connected through ballistics to the murders. The couple confessed that their job was to execute people who were not “aligned” with the boss, or were dedicated to drug sales for others. Investigation continues to locate and arrest accomplices, and the cell.
http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Policiaca/01022011/494301.aspx_____________________
El Diario de Chihuahua (Mexico) 1/31/2011
Another Policewoman Killed
(Chihuahua, Chih.) On Saturday night, a 35 year old female police officer was talking with a driver. The driver then ran her down, killing her and trying to drive away to escape. A fellow officer on scene opened fire on the fleeing killer, wounding him in the shoulder. The investigation is continuing.
http://tinyurl.com/4vzfsy7
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Blog del Narco (Mexico) 2/1/2011
Assassins Execute Man and his Young Son
Sunday afternoon, a merchant in Ecuandreo, Michoacan was driving when he and his son were surprised by killers who then brutally murdered both. The father was 28 years old and his young son was only 6 years old. Both were shot multiple times.
http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/02/sicarios-ejecutan-hombre-junto-su.html#more
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La Voz de la Frontera (Mexico) 1/31/2011
Eight executions this Week
(Mexicali) Only eight executions were carried out this week, bring to 13 the total number for the month of January, and causing the perception of Mexicali as a quiet town. The former mayor of Calexico (US) urged caution, especially by local youth, when visiting bars and cantinas of Mexicali, with the possibility of repeating another shooting somewhere “across the border.” He continued that in his personal view, children under 18 should not cross the border for fun until 2 or 3 am.
http://www.oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/notas/n1947173.htm
Ensenada: Military captures 2 drug planes, arrests three; 1650 lbs total
http://www.oem.com.mx/lavozdelafrontera/notas/n1947212.htm
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Blog del Narco (http://www.blogdelnarco.com/):
Nuevo León: Tuesday; another violent afternoon, shootings, grenades, roadblocks, police checkpoints; an attack during a funeral; elsewhere gunman threw grenade which blew up police car; minutes later, clash between military/cartel with 5 gunmen dead.
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua: Newspaper employee executed
Nuevo León: Grenade thrown at police checkpoint; injured officer & 4
civilians
Tepic, Nayarit: Narco grave found; male and female body; both tortured, shot
(Note: Photos are often not included due to the gruesomeness, but can
be found at the blog site. WARNING: many are VERY graphic and disturbing.)
Domestic News – United States
Phoenix-area gun store, ATF sting may be linked to border shootout
http://tinyurl.com/4v7xpw5
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GAO: One percent of northern border under control
http://tinyurl.com/4zbdyqv
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Arizona, federal officials target smugglers on Interstate 8
http://tinyurl.com/4rs9hkv
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3 Illegal Immigrants Charged in American Teen Murder
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474979006176
Video: http://youtu.be/_LW6mBhp_UY
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DPS Detains 18 Undocumented Immigrants Suspects – Arizona
http://www.kpho.com/valleynews/26691899/detail.html
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Dominican smugglers, Cubans keep U.S. border agents busy-Puerto Rico
http://tinyurl.com/46pqcwv
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Two Charged After 53 Illegal Immigrants Found in Phoenix Drop House
http://tinyurl.com/4tvvfxq
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Authorities seize meth worth at least $2 million-Texas
http://tinyurl.com/4dcoqru
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Gov. Susana Martinez orders Arizona-style immigration reform
http://tinyurl.com/4rcsgtk
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Legislature has two options for illegals’ driver’s licenses -New Mexico
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_17255968
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http://m3report.wordpress.com/
Thanks for the ping SwinneySwitch.
The war next door continues on.
LPGA Cancels Tournament in Mexico Over Drug Violence Fears
MORELIA, Mexico — The LPGA has canceled the $1.3 million Tres Marias Championship in Mexico due to concerns over drug violence, the Orlando Sentinel reported Wednesday.
Though no official announcement was made by the women’s golf tour, the tournament — which was to be held April 21-24 in Morelia — is no longer listed on the schedule.
Morelia is located in the state of Michoacan, in north-central Mexico, where violence linked to drug cartels is routine. One of the country’s most vicious cartels, The La Familia, is based in Michoacan.
LPGA commissioner Mike Whan had said previously the event was tentatively on the schedule but could be canceled due to security concerns.
Violence linked to the country’s various drug gangs has killed more than 34,000 people since Dec. 2006, when President Felipe Calderon launched a renewed crackdown on the cartels.
Two weeks ago, gunmen sprayed a soccer game with bullets in Ciudad Juarez, leaving seven dead. The match had been billed to the local community as a way to stand up to the cartels.
The first LPGA event of the year will be held Feb. 17-20 in Chonburi, Thailand.
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