Four Americans were kidnapped on a violent day in Matamoros, Tamaulipas

On March 3, 2023, the city of matamorosin Tamaulipas, was the scene of multiple risk situations, among which there were at least two armed clashes, as reported by the Secretary of Public Security (SSP) of the State.

During this day, four people from the United States (UNITED STATES) they were attacked and kidnapped by an armed commando and, until now, his whereabouts are unknown.

The facts have been confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBIfor its acronym in English) through Oliver Rich, special agent in charge of the San Antonio division of the said agency.

According to the report presented by the American authorities, on the aforementioned date, four American citizens entered Matamoros in a white van bearing license plates of the State of North Carolina.

Shortly after arriving in Mexican territory, a group of armed men (whose number and identity have not been specified) shot at the passengers of the truck. Later, they forced them out of the vehicle and they moved them to another unitin which they fled.

So far, it is not known whether during the ambush and the apparent deprivation of liberty, people were injured. Likewise, there is no information about his whereabouts.

For this reason, the FBI and other federal agencies along with Mexican police personnel have launched a joint investigation. In addition, the FBI issued a statement, through the United States Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, to ask for the help of the public, so that it is possible to identify those responsible for these acts.

Additionally, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward in exchange for information that secures the return of victims to their homes, or that helps capture alleged abusers.

To that end, the company’s San Antonio division has made its phone line (210-225-6741) available to people for anyone with information regarding this case. Information can also be provided online through https://tips.fbi.gov. Persons providing information may remain anonymous.

Until the time of this edition, there are no official reports that allow to clarify the toll and the damages derived from the events that occurred on March 3 in Matamoros.

A statement from the SSP limited itself to confirming that there was “two armed incidents between unidentified civiliansand regretted the loss of life, as well as the injuries caused by the events, although the number of victims was not detailed.

“The general population is recommended to stay at home so as not to expose their integrity, asking parents and teachers if possible to avoid sending their children to school,” the agency shared in a short newsletter via social networks.

After the reported clashes in the border town, local residents shared images and videos on digital platforms which, among other things, showed the moment a group of at least four armed individuals dragged, in the street and in broad daylightthe bodies of two people to load them into a white van.

Said vehicle was parked in the middle of the road, so while the alleged hitmen maneuvered to take the bodies with them – it is unclear if the victims were alive at the time this happened – other cars were driving around two.

Por su parte, el Consulado de EEUU emitió una alerta para recomendar a la ciudadanía que no viaje a Tamaulipas, pues la entidad se encuentra clasificada en el nivel 4, misma que señala que no puede de visitar el estado fronterizo mientras a aviso por parte of state department.

“The United States Consulate in Matamoros has received reports of police activity in the vicinity of Calle Primavera and Lauro Villa. in connection with a shooting. media reports indicate that a person has been murdered“, details the press release.