A total of three dead and eight wounded has been recorded in shootings in the northern Mexican border state Tamaulipas since last Friday, according to official news reports.
A shooting incident in the state capital of Ciuidad Victoria Friday left two dead and seven wounded, among them a five year old child, in a drive by shooting.
According to the government's account, the first incident took place at around 2200 hrs on Calle 31 Sierra Madre at a taco stand in Sierra Ventana colony, where four armed suspects traveling aboard a vehicle opened fire on several individuals and businesses.
The dead were identified as JosĂŠAntonio Ruiz Martinez, 43, and Dolores Lopez Rivera, 72.
Further south in the coastal municipality of Tampico, one unidentified man was wounded in a drive by shooting Saturday evening.
The incident took place at around 1800 hrs near the intersection of Calle Ejercito Mexicano and Avenida Universidad, where armed suspects traveling aboard two vehicles opened fire on customers. Damage was recorded to buildings in the area as well.
The shooters were said to be aboard a Dodge Journey SUV and a Dodge Dakota pickup truck.
Mexican Naval Infantry seized a number of contraband items in two separate incidents in southern and northern Tamaulipas, detaining three unidentified suspects.
In Rio Bravo municipality, a Marine rifle unit stopped armed suspects traveling aboard a Ford Lobo (F-150) extended cab pickup truck. Aboard the truck marines seized a grenade launcher attachment for an AK-47 rifle, 145 weapons magazines, 1,142 rounds of ammunition and MEX $1,720 (USD $130.93) in cash.
In Mante municipality a marine unit stopped armed suspects traveling aboard a Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV following a brief pursuit. Marines seized one handgun and 58 rounds of ammunition.
Chris Covert writes Mexican Drug War and national political news for Rantburg.com and BorderlandBeat.com. He can be reached at grurkka@gmail.com