Mexico Deploys Troops After Cartel Fires on U.S. Coast Guard
Mexico sends 159 ground troops to border following Gulf Cartel attack on U.S. Coast Guard boats.
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Following a recent incident in which gunmen from the Gulf Cartel fired on U.S. Coast Guard boats patrolling the Rio Grande, Mexico’s Navy has deployed nearly 160 ground troops to the border region. The attack, which occurred in late September, targeted U.S. law enforcement in the cartel-controlled city of Miguel Alemán, a long-standing hub for drug and human smuggling operations.
Gulf Cartel Maintains Control Despite Mexican Efforts
Miguel Alemán has remained under the control of the Gulf Cartel despite numerous attempts by rival organizations to seize the territory. Mexican authorities have struggled to restore security to the area, with the government largely unable to curb the cartel’s influence. The attack on U.S. forces has prompted a strong U.S. response, with hundreds of military troops deployed to the Rio Grande Valley as part of Operation Unified Resolve.
U.S. Military Response and Joint Operations
The U.S. Department of Defense announced Operation Unified Resolve, an effort to reinforce border security and support federal law enforcement partners. The operation includes the repositioning of hundreds of U.S. service members and equipment to the Rio Grande Valley. Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB) is leading the effort, which aims to increase patrol capacity and enhance monitoring capabilities along the border.
Mexican Government Claims Joint Response
In response to the attack, Mexico’s Navy issued a statement claiming it was part of a joint effort with the U.S. to address the security concerns. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a joint statement with the Navy, detailing the deployment of 159 ground troops, 11 vehicles, and two drones to the border region in Tamaulipas. The statement emphasized the importance of shared responsibility and cooperation between the two nations.
Cartel Continues Operations Despite Government Claims
Despite the Mexican government’s claims of cooperation, the Gulf Cartel continues to operate with impunity in Tamaulipas. The region has seen multiple cross-border shootings, where cartel members attack U.S. authorities in response to enforcement efforts. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in securing the border and the persistent threat posed by organized criminal groups.
Source: Breitbart
