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

Firefights Tuesday and Wednesday in Nuevo Laredo led to the deaths of several suspected cartel members. Firefights Tuesday and Wednesday in Nuevo Laredo led to the deaths of several suspected cartel members. Photo: Courtesy Of Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Photo: Courtesy Of Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close New Year’s firefights in Nuevo Laredo leave suspected cartel members dead 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

At least three suspected cartel members died in firefights reported throughout the Sister City on Tuesday and Wednesday, authorities said.

Gunfire on Wednesday echoed in Laredo causing people to upload videos on Facebook. Shots fired also prompted Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar to warn citizens about crossing into Nuevo Laredo.

“Please do not cross to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, right now,” Cuellar said. “We have information that there have been intensive shootings between cartel members and Tamaulipas State Police.”

The first shootout occurred at about 3 p.m. on New Year's Eve in Colonia Francisco Villa in west Nuevo Laredo.

State cops patrolling the sector came under fire. Suspected cartel members onboard a white pickup and a brown sport utility vehicle allegedly shot at the cops.

Three suspected gunmen died in the shootout. Authorities said the deceased were wearing tactical uniforms.

A second firefight unfolded during the afternoon on New Year's Day throughout various parts of the city. It's unclear how many people died. Some state cops were also wounded.

“These shootings have been going on for hours now. Specifically, they have been taking place near and around Cesar Lopez De Lara Avenue, Paseo Colon, Venezuela and Guatemala Streets and around the Villarreal Hotel,” Cuellar said in a statement. “Please avoid these areas and do not cross over to Nuevo Laredo. It’s been said that high-caliber machine guns and explosives are being utilized. They are highjacking vehicles and disturbing the peace. Our prayers go out to the citizens of Nuevo Laredo.”

Laredo police said they are keeping a close eye on the developments happening in Nuevo Laredo.

“Information is still developing and details are being confirmed with regards to the confrontations happening in our Sister City,” Laredo police said in a statement. “As always, the City of Laredo is safe and all U.S. law enforcement agencies are focused on the developments that escalated this afternoon in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. We recommend that anyone needing to travel into Nuevo Laredo keep their attention on the U.S. Consulate's travel advisories which are posted on Facebook, Twitter and the consulate's website.”