The Mexican Army is sending four military helicopters to help fight organized crime in the embattled border states of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.
Mexico’s Ministry of Defense made the announcement on Easter Sunday.
The Mexican army reported two Bell 212 and two MI-17 helicopters are being sent for reconnaissance work and to provide support for troops engaging in gun fights with drug cartels.
The MI-17 helicopters are able to carry up to four tons and will be used to deploy troops and equipment.
Since late February, Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon have seen round after round of armed clashes between rival drug cartels as well as shootouts between drug traffickers and the Mexican Army.
Dozens have been killed in violence, which is showing no signs of slowing down.
Action 4 News has reported on two incursions by helicopters from the Mexican Navy in Starr and Zapata County in March.
The Mexican Navy has not responded to inquiries about the incursions while American officials say they are under investigation.
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