Failed Cartel Ambush and Shootouts in Tamaulipas Leave Several Gunmen Dead as Turf War Intensifies

"Morogris" for Borderland Beat (formerly "MX"); TY to "Negro Torro"

Armored SUV used by the CDG in failed ambush; the door has the insignia of "Metro 37"

The rural community of Los Guerra in Tamaulipas is the epicenter of an intense narco-war between the Metros faction of the Gulf Cartel (CDG), the rival Northeast Cartel (CDN), a faction of the old Zetas group, and Mexican security forces. Last weekend, CDG members travelling in a convoy of 15 to 17 vehicles ambushed Mexican Army patrol units in Los Guerra. The military neutralized the attack and killed 2 gang members.

At the scene, authorities seized six vehicles owned by the CDG. Pictures show that some of the SUVs were bullet-proof and had armored sunroofs. One of the vehicles had the insignia of "Metro 37", a suspected member of the Metros faction that has not been fully identified. It was reported that the CDG cell involved in this attack worked for this cartel member.

EXTREMELY GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW

Gunmen killed the failed ambush last weekend

One of the SUVs used by cartel members in the ambush

Interior view of victim killed in failed ambush

This other SUV was used in the failed ambush; it had the insignia of Metro 37 on its door

In a separate incident last week in Miguel Aleman Municipality, 3 CDG members were killed in a clash with the Mexican Army. The shootout occurred in early hours of the morning on 15 July, three days before the ambush mentioned above. State investigators confirmed that the gunmen were wearing bullet-proof vests with CDG logos; one of the gunmen killed had a shirt that says "Delta Uno", likely his radio code name or alias.

One citizen journalist from Miguel Aleman Municipality explained on social media that the CDN is planning incursions early in the mornings before dawn and that the CDG is under high alert. It is rumored that the CDN may have at least one infiltrated Army member who gives them information about the area. This Army member was identified by his alias "Tigre" or "Tiguere" and is reportedly based in the Mier Municipality barracks.

There are also unconfirmed reports that high-ranking CDG member Jesus Garza Moreno ("Chuy Nalgas") was killed in Los Guerra earlier this week. Paramedics reportedly tried to take him on an ambulance to a hospital in Miguel Aleman before being transferred to one in Texas but Chuy Nalgas succumbed to his wounds. Last year, Borderland Beat published a story of an alleged collaborator of Chuy Nalgas under interrogation.

One of the sicarios killed in shootout with the military; his shirt says "Delta Uno"

Another sicario killed by the military in shootout

Borderland Beat analysis

Los Guerra is a rural community in Miguel Aleman Municipality, Tamaulipas. This whole area is part of La Frontera Chica (also known as La Ribereña), a border stretch along Tamaulipas. In the context of the Mexican Drug War, it is a lucrative drug corridor currently under dispute by CDG and CDN.

The CDN, based in Nuevo Laredo, is trying to expand east into La Frontera Chica, which has historically been controlled by the CDG. It is not clear exactly where the CDN incursions are coming from, but Borderland Beat forum users have stated that they are likely coming in from Mier (west of Miguel Aleman).

The municipalities of Guerrero, Mier, Miguel Aleman, Camargo and Diaz Ordaz make up "La Frontera Chica"

Los Guerra is the only community that connects Mier and Miguel Aleman, which makes it an important turf to control. Unlike Miguel Aleman, Mier does not have a legal port of entry into the U.S. Traffickers looking to smuggle to the U.S. must use the Rio Grande River or go to Nuevo Guerrero Municipality (west of Mier) or to Miguel Aleman proper for the legal ports of entry. Los Guerra also has a highway that connects Tamaulipas to the state of Nuevo Leon.

The CDG commander in the area is Cesar Morfin Morfin ("El Primito"). There are rumors that El Primito has changed several plaza bosses in the area in efforts to push the CDN out of La Frontera Chica. A lot of the info about Miguel Aleman can be found in the Facebook group named "Los Bloqueados de Miguel Aleman 2", where users often post the latest updates in the area and rumors about the CDG/CDN.

Sources: El Mañana; Hoy Tamaulipas; La Tarde; Alcoholímetro Pachuca; Televisa; RN Noticias; La Estrella de la Noticia; Borderland Beat archives