Díaz Ordaz, Tamaulipas: Improvised Armored Fighting Vehicles aka “Monstruos”

"Sol Prendido" for Borderland Beat

Video translation is as follows:

Another video was released in Tamaulipas, allegedly in the city of Diaz Ordaz. Where one can see from inside an armored vehicle known as a Narco Monster Truck. That’s used by organized crime who are stopping to refuel  in front of two National Guard patrols.

The film shows the peepholes where they place the heavy-caliber weapons. The armored windshield is seen. Along with some chains on the vehicle’s dashboard. 

This broadcast was recorded inside the interior of these vehicles known as “Monsters” or “Narco Tanks”. These are automobiles, pickups, big rigs modified with armored protection. Made from steel plates up to an inch thick.

Placed on doors, ceilings, windshields, which make them resistant up to .50 cal gauges. They are very heavy. The maximum speed at which they can travel is 60 kilometers per hour.

It has hatches, strategic windows to fire from, obviously without exposing the body, without leaving the vehicle. Some even have turrets. Part of its vehicle is electrified. And the rims have ballistic steel that make them resistant to hard punctures. Depending on the vehicle they can transport anywhere between 10 and 20 people at a time. 

Azucena Uresti