Shootings in different cities affect the state of Coahuila

03/07/12 ­– On March 6, a series of clashes between the police, military, and unknown gunmen occurred in the border city of Piedras Negras in the state of Coahuila. According to the information, a special group of agents from the State Attorney General’s Office (Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales, GATE, Fiscalía General del Estado) and members of the military were involved in shootings with unknown gunmen around various areas of the city. A policewoman identified as Maria Guadalupe Delgadillo died while two policemen and civilians were also injured.

As a result of these incidents, the U.S. Department of State ordered the closure of two border bridges between Piedras Negras, Coahuila and its neighboring city of Eagle Pass, Texas. The closures occurred while gunmen blocked major roads with trucks on the Mexican side, some of which were set on fire.

A day later, on March 7, also in Saltillo the state capital of Coahuila, a series of incidents occurred between state police and unknown gunmen. The shootings started in the early morning and continued throughout the city. When chased by authorities, gunmen threw nails and steel objects into the street to facilitate their escape. Civilian motorists were affected by the morning chase and shooting, and employees and customers of local businesses where the incidents occurred had to take cover. Local authorities alerted the community to stay inside their homes for safety reasons. According to media outlets, several gunmen were injured, but no deaths confirmed.

Sources:

“Enfrentamientos en Piedras Negras dejan un muerto y siete heridos.” Informador. March 7, 2012.

“Por balaceras, cierra EU puentes de Piedras Negras.” Vanguardia. March 7, 2012.

“Amanece Saltillo con balaceras; fiscalía pide no salir de casa.” La Jornada. March 7, 2012.