Cuellar says gun battles still ‘brewing’ in Nuevo Laredo

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 / 5 Caption Close Cuellar says gun battles still ‘brewing’ in Nuevo Laredo 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

Gun battles in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, continue “brewing,” according to Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar.

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

He provided an update on Facebook regarding the ongoing violence in the Sister City. Cuellar mentioned that at least three civilians have died in the crossfire. Nuevo Laredo experienced a deadly week with at least five suspected Cartel Del Noreste gunmen and one state cop dead in armed confrontations throughout the city.

“(The assailants) were using AK-47 automatic weapons and 50-caliber weapons, a very serious type of weapon that it is only used military areas,” Cuellar said.

Firefights are expected to continue.

“We have received information that the gun battles are still brewing … that they might happen again. We hope the government can step in and try to make this cease because it’s putting innocent people at risk … People in Mexico should not experience this,” the sheriff said.

Laredo police said they continue to monitor the ongoing violent clashes happening in the Sister City.

“Mexican authorities continue their efforts in mitigating the ongoing issues with criminal factions. The Laredo Police Department is keeping a close eye on the developments and continues to work together with our fellow law enforcement agencies to make sure Laredo remains a fortress of safety,” LPD said in a statement.

The U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo said on its Facebook that U.S. government personnel remain subject to restrictions on their movements in Nuevo Laredo and are under early curfew.

“Per our current travel advisory for Nuevo Laredo, organized crime activity including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion and sexual assault is common. Heavily-armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas in marked and unmarked vehicles and operate with impunity. Local law enforcement has limited capability to respond to crime incidents,” the consulate stated.

People going across the border risk getting caught in a crossfire, according to the sheriff.

“If you have to travel to Nuevo laredo, do it during daylight, only if it is necessary to go,” Cuellar said.

LPD added, “Our recommendations remain the same against any unnecessary travel into Nuevo Laredo. We will continue to post any confirmed information available here for your access. Laredo, Texas, remains a safe city.”

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

On Friday, LPD encouraged paisanos to return to the United States through other international bridges.