Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico under Martial Law after multiple gun battles
By: Jose G. Landa©
The Ciry of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico was placed under martial law yesterday, Wednesday, September 26, 2012, by local and federal authorities after multiple, intense gun battles between federal and state special forces and criminal elements throughout the day continuing until the late-evening.
According to Mexican press reports, a female in her early 30’s was killed in her automobile caught in the crossfire of an intense gun battle. Mexican authorities have not reported how many persons and officers were killed or injured in these multiple gun battles throughout the city.
Piedras Negras residents are living in great fear for their lives staying indoors at all times as required by the martial law imposed. One Piedras Negras resident said ‘the devil is loose in Piedras Negras.’. Residents huddled with their children inside their homes listening to the loud gun battles occurring in their neighborhoods.
Another Piedras Negras resident described the situation as ‘Piedras Negras is a war zone.’ Residents are advised to stay inside their homes until further notice by authorities.
Yesterday, Wednesday, September 26th, the City of Eagle Pass International Bridge No. 2 was closed down at 10:30 a.m. after the discovery of a grenade on the American side, signaling that the violence in Piedras Negras extended into the United States. All American federal, state, and local authorities have been placed on high alert.
Since the massive prison escape of 132 prisoners from the Piedras Negras CERESO prison, there has been a massive influx of Mexican federal and state special forces in Piedras Negras to hunt and capture the escapees. To date, seven escapees have been captured or killed.
It is unknown how much longer this nightmare experience will have to be lived by the loyal and fair citizens of Piedras Negras. As one resident said ‘Pray to God that this situation passes us by without any material and collateral damage to our residents. ‘
