On Monday, the U.S. Consulate at Matamoros in Mexico issued an alert for people to take shelter as a result of an outbreak in gun violence.
The consulate has announced that “the employees are currently under an order to shelter in place” because of violent crime in the City.
Officials encouraged U.S. Citizens to take similar precautions.
The consulate general announced via social media that “U.S. Embassy General Matamoros Employees are currently under a Shelter in Place Order until 1:30 pm in Matamoros because of gun violence in the city.”
The message continued: “We recommend that you stay in place, and keep an eye on local news for any updates in your region.”
Matamoros has been the scene of violent gun violence after a shootout between Mexican marines.
In a confrontation with Mexican authorities, four people were killed during an investigation of kidnapping.
The incident did not result in any marine deaths. Guns and radios were recovered by authorities from the scene.
Matamoros lies across the Rio Grande River from Brownsville in Texas.
In recent years, the rise of violent crime and cartel activity has brought Matamoros into the spotlight. This has caused unrest as authorities try to maintain order in the area and suppress organized criminals.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for six Mexican states, including Tamaulipas. This is due to increased violence against Americans.
The U.S. State Department warns against traveling to Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping. The U.S. State Department warns against traveling to Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping.
Four Americans were kidnapped earlier this year in Matamoros.
Mexican forces liberated the survivors on 7 March from a shed in which they had been held captive.
Two victims died of gunshot wounds that they received before being abducted.
