Report detailing aftermath of Nuevo Laredo gunfight released
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Mar 2, 2012 at 11:45 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Mar 2, 2012
A crackdown on organized crime may be what led to yesterday's massive gunfight in the streets of Nuevo Laredo.
"Operation: Northeast" is said to be the Mexican government's effort to weaken the drug cartels operating in Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila and San Luis Potosi.
The Mexican Secretary of Defense reports that Thursday’s gunfight resulted in the deaths of 13 suspects, all of whom are still pending identification. Three soldiers were injured, but were treated for their wounds.
Thursday's shootout occurred on Mexico's Federal Highway Number Two, close to the Mexican side of the World Trade Bridge.
Troops came under attack while following up on a tip as part of their efforts to take down the "command structure" of organized crime groups in Tamaulipas.
Officials are also reporting a load of weapons seized in the aftermath, including 12 long-range rifles, a loaded rocket launcher, a grenade launcher, a 40 millimeter grenade, several ammo clips for weapons of different calibers, a pack of cocaine, as well as three vehicles, one of which was heavily armored.
The bodies of the gunmen, their weapons and vehicles were turned over to the proper authorities for further investigation.
