Gulf Cartel Gunmen Overpower Police in Violent Rio Bravo Shootout
- Officers patrolling Rio Bravo were ambushed by Gulf Cartel gunmen in multiple vehicles.
- They called for backup, but military and federal forces failed to respond.
- The event underscores the escalating cartel violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement.
A violent confrontation occurred in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, where a squad of state police officers found themselves encircled by a large group of armed gunmen, believed to be affiliated with the Gulf Cartel. The officers attempted to patrol the area but were caught off guard by more than 20 vehicles filled with cartel members. Despite repeated calls for backup, military and federal police ignored their pleas for assistance. Two officers were injured but managed to escape the encounter. The gunmen subsequently ignited one of the officers' armored vehicles as a show of dominance. This incident highlights the dangerous realities and geographical control exercised by the Escorpiones faction of the Gulf Cartel, known for their violent tactics and the use of explosive devices in conflicts. The lack of official reports concerning the shootout suggests an ongoing pattern of concealment by local authorities to uphold a favorable public perception amidst increasing cartel violence.