A Mexico gulf cartel’s apology letter following the Matamoros murders is making headlines. Read to know more.
Cartel sends apology letter for the Matamoros murders
After the abduction of four Americans and the killing of two in Matamoros, a cartel’s apology letter makes the news. Additionally, images are showing five ‘suspects’ handed over by the Mexican Gulf cartel to the local authorities. However, its authenticity is unclear. As per an AP report, in the letter, the drug cartel apologized for the violence. It also says the cartel turned in the ones responsible for the Matamoros murders.
“The [Gulf Cartel] apologizes to the society of Matamoros, the relatives of Ms. Areli, and the affected American people and families,” reads the handwritten letter. Areli is a Mexican woman who died in the cartel shootout. “We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline,” it reads. Additionally, it states that the ones who went against the cartel’s rules were also not “respecting the life and well-being of the innocent”. Investigators believe the letter is authentic.
Is Mexico safe for tourists?
The killing of tourists has spread worry among American tourists, The region is famous for medical tourism as many from the US who cannot afford healthcare go across the border for cheaper options. However, due to the Marmatos murders, people planning to travel to Mexico are worried. The US State Department has had a “do not travel” advisory in place for six Mexican states. This includes Tamaulipas, the state where the city is located. On the other hand, the Canada-Mexico travel advisory is asking travelers to exercise high caution. This is due to the “high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping” in the region.
The cartel’s letter comes at a time when local authorities managed to catch a local leader of the Gulf Cartel. He was wanted for past kidnappings. However, it is unclear if the two events are connected. As per officials, the abductions of Americans were a case of mistaken identity. The Americans were abducted around midday and loaded into a truck downtown. A stray bullet took the life of a 33-year-old Mexican woman during their showdown.