A shootout occurred at the Texas-Mexico border near the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge.

The incident took place around 1:30 pm and involved a group of cartel gunmen and Mexican military forces. A stranded motorist on top of the bridge captured video footage of the exchange of gunfire, which spread terror among motorists trying to cross the international port of entry.

The Mexican military had been patrolling the area when they encountered the cartel gunmen and attempted to apprehend them. The gunmen and military forces engaged in a heavy exchange of gunfire, followed by a high-speed chase that resulted in the killing of three gunmen who were riding in a Ford F-150.

The area under the port of entry, known as La Nopalera, has been the site of several shootouts in recent days, as rival factions of the Gulf Cartel compete for control of the region. The Reynosa faction of the Gulf Cartel has stationed a large number of gunmen on the eastern side of the city, including La Nopalera, to prevent rival gunmen from entering Reynosa.

Despite the intensity of the gun battles, Mexican government officials at the state and federal levels have been downplaying the situation, claiming that all is safe and that the confrontations are exaggerated.

After the shootout, U.S. Representative Tony Gonzalez criticized political rivals who have opposed various border security measures, including designating drug cartels as terrorist organizations. He took to social media to express his views, stating that “cartels are operating with impunity” and that “the safety of Americans is at risk.”

The ongoing violence in the area underscores the challenges that both the U.S. and Mexican governments face in addressing the drug cartel problem. Despite increased efforts to combat drug trafficking and violence along the border, the cartels continue to operate with impunity and maintain a strong presence in the region.

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