At least two people are wounded following a series of gun battles and blockades that brought life to a stand still in Matamoros late Tuesday afternoon.
Residents used the #Matamoros channel of Twitter to reprot gunfire, explosions and blockades starting around 5 pm Tuesday.
The heaviest firefights took place in the heart of the city in the Colonia San Francisco.
City officials used Facebook and Twitter to confirm a "danger zone" off Calle Sexta and the Diagonal Cuauhtemoc.
Authorities told Action 4 News that at least two innocent civilians were wounded by gunfire in that intersection.
Their names and medical conditions were not immediately available but residents and officials reported blockades continued well past 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The shootouts and blockades did not stop the city officials from continuing with some events for the Tamaulipas International Festival (FIT).
A performance by Cecilia Lugo's group Contempodanza continued as scheduled at the city's Teatro La Reforma.
International bridge remain open but the American Consulate of Matamoros issued an emergency warning on Tuesday morning asking American government officials to avoid travel to Matamoros until 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens (September 27, 2011)
This emergency message is being published to inform American Citizens about a gun battle that occurred on September 27, 2011, between the approximate hours of 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. During that time, heavy gunfire was being reported in different locations of Matamoros including the downtown area. As of 8:00 p.m., Mexican authorities report a cessation of gunfire and there are no current reports of blockades in the city. Due to the activity, U.S. Government authorities have advised official personnel to avoid unnecessary travel within the city and we advise American citizens to do the same until 6 a.m. on September 28, 2011. International bridges remain open for passage.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet website at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Mexico are encouraged to enroll with our Consulate General through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) via https://travel.state.gov/ to obtain updated travel and security information. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly with the Embassy or Consulates. Enrollment is important; it allows the State Department to assist you in an emergency. Those enrollees who wish to receive updated travel and security information must provide an e-mail address as part of their enrollment.
The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros is located on Avenida Primera 2002, Col. Jardin, Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The telephone number is (011) (52) (868) 812-4402 and our website is http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/.
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