Civilian among six dead in Nuevo Laredo gun battles reported on New Year's

Firefights Tuesday and Wednesday in Nuevo Laredo led to the deaths of at least three suspected cartel members. Firefights Tuesday and Wednesday in Nuevo Laredo led to the deaths of at least three suspected cartel members. Photo: Courtesy Of Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Photo: Courtesy Of Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close Civilian among six dead in Nuevo Laredo gun battles reported on New Year's 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

Five suspected gunmen and a civilian died in the multiple gun battles reported on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Sister City, according to Tamaulipas authorities.

READ MORE: New Year’s firefights in Nuevo Laredo leave suspected cartel members dead

Officials also said that two state police officers and one civilian were injured.

“Our recognition to the state police who have acted firmly and courageously facing the criminals in Nuevo Laredo,” Tamaulipas Gov. Francisco Javier Garcia Cabeza de Vaca said in a statement. “After the cowardly attacks by the Cartel del Noreste in Nuevo Laredo, the Tamaulipas government will not lower its guard and will continue to act firmly against criminals. In Tamaulipas, there will be no truce against the violent. The Tamaulipas government will use all the instruments at its disposal to continue facing the criminals.”

At about 5 p.m. Wednesday, cartel members attacked state police officers who were patrolling in Colonia San Rafael. Suspected gunmen also shot at Hotel Villarreal, which where state cops are housed. An officer and a civilian were wounded.

Suspects were wearing tactical equipment similar to Mexico’s Navy troops, according to authorities. They were on board various vehicles. A local business named Marmoles y Canteras on Avenida Cesar Lopez de Lara caught fire. An investigation is underway to determine what caused the fire.

A second firefight was reported at Hospital San Jose, where two gunmen and a female civilian died. A vehicle caught on fire due to the gunfire, according to police.

On Tuesday afternoon, cartel members fired shots at police officers in Colonia Manuel Cavazos Lerma. Three assailants died and a cop was injured.

“We continue to monitor reports of ongoing violence and blockades on major highways in Nuevo Laredo. U.S. government employees remain under curfew. Avoid the area,” the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo said on Facebook.

The consulate continues to monitor the security situation following the violence reported between Mexican authorities and criminal organizations.

“U.S. government personnel are subject to enhanced restrictions on their movements … and an earlier evening curfew than normal until further notice. U.S. Citizens should notify friends and family of your safety, monitor local media for updates and avoid public places,” the consulate said in a statement.

U.S. citizens seeking assistance in Nuevo Laredo should call +52 867 714 0512, +52 55 5080 2000 or e-mail at nuevolaredo-acs@state.gov.

Authorities in Laredo are keeping their ears to the ground on the occurrences in Nuevo Laredo.

“Due to the violence in Nuevo Laredo, (Texas Department of Public Safety) will be increasing enforcement efforts along the Laredo border to assist our local, county and federal partners in order to continue keeping our community safe,” DPS said in a statement.

On Wednesday, Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar released a statement telling the community not to cross to Nuevo Laredo.

“We have information that there have been intensive shootings between cartel members and Tamaulipas State Police,” the sheriff had posted on his Facebook.

Laredo police also released a statement regarding the violence across the border.

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“There are currently reported violent confrontations happening in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas at this time,” police said in a statement Thursday evening. “We strongly recommend against unnecessary travel into Mexico due to the high potential of continuing violent clashes. The Laredo Police Department is closely monitoring the situation as it develops and will continue to collaborate with all area law enforcement to maintain the safety and security of the city. We are informing you to bring awareness to the situation and not to cause undo concern or panic. Laredo, Texas remains a safe city. Thank you.”