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Life came to a standstill in Matamoros after a series of shootouts and blockades left residents trapped inside stores and buildings.

It all started in the Colonia Puerto Rico in the city's southwest side shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday.

Residents reported gunfire and city officials quickly confirmed a "situation of danger" in the area.

The embattled neighborhood is adjacent to the Plaza Sendero Mall, a busy shopping center.

Officials confirmed blockades on the Sendero Nacional Highway and Avenida Rigo Tovar, both on the city's westside.

But residents reported being trapped by numerous blockades in other areas of the city.

One Twitter user reported that shoppers at the Sam's Club off the highway to Ciudad Victoria where trapped inside by the violence.

Just down the street, another person reported that soldiers set up a blockade in front of the Mundo Nuevo convention center leaving his or her parents trapped inside.

Another Matamoros resident reported being trapped by a blockade at the city's central bus station.

One resident posted a picture posted a picture of a blockade outside the city's WalMart store.

Another person posted a picture of blockade at the entrance and exit to the Mexican side of the Veterans International Bridge.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Wait Times website, the bridge remains open going in both directions on the American side.