In a tragic turn of events, four people were killed in a shootout with Mexican marines on Monday in the border city of Matamoros, triggering an alert for shelter in place from the U.S. consulate in the neighboring city of Brownsville, Texas. The clash occurred during an operation related to the investigation of a kidnapping, according to the Tamaulipas state communications office, which made the announcement through the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. It was revealed that the four civilians were the casualties of the shootout, while authorities were able to recover guns and radios from the scene. Fortunately, no marines were injured during the incident. The Navy confirmed that their personnel were involved, but no further details were provided. The federal Attorney General's Office did not respond to a request for information regarding the incident.

The shooting prompted the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros to issue an alert through X, instructing its employees to shelter in place until 1:30 p.m. due to the ongoing gun violence in the city. This unfortunate event comes just months after the high-profile abduction of four Americans in Matamoros. Tragically, two of the victims were killed by gunfire before they could be rescued, after allegedly being mistaken for cartel rivals.

The ongoing gun violence in Matamoros has been linked to drug cartels operating in the area. Cells of the Gulf cartel and other organized crime groups have been known to be active in the city and Tamaulipas. The Gulf Cartel, a notorious criminal syndicate and drug trafficking organization, is based in Matamoros. Additionally, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation is also known to be active in the area.

The kidnapping and killings of the four Americans earlier this year sparked outrage and condemnation, prompting some U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, to call for the cartels to be designated as foreign domestic terrorist organizations. In a letter addressed to Mexican police, the Gulf Cartel took responsibility for the involvement of some of its members in the crime and even issued an apology. They also turned in five members who they claim were responsible for the slayings on March 3.

The current lockdown and shelter-in-place order imposed on the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing violence and the dangers faced by both Mexican citizens and foreigners in the region. As the investigation into this latest shootout continues, authorities are working to maintain order and ensure the safety of the public in Matamoros.