Gulf Cartel Apologizes for Deadly Kidnapping of Two American Tourists and Mexican Woman in Matamoros, Mexico

Two American tourists and a Mexican woman were killed in an armed kidnapping last week in Matamoros, Mexico. In response, the Gulf Cartel Grupo Escorpiones, believed to be responsible for the incident, has issued an apology letter and handed over five of their members to local authorities.

The bodies of the two American victims were delivered Thursday to US diplomatic authorities. In the apology letter, the cartel expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and to the society of Matamoros. They also condemned the violence and said they had turned over members who were involved.

The letter, which was obtained by CNN from an official familiar with the ongoing investigation, reads: “The [Gulf Cartel] apologizes to the society of Matamoros, the relatives of Ms. Areli, and the affected American people and families. The Gulf Cartel Grupo Escorpiones strongly condemns the events of Friday, March 3 in which unfortunately an innocent working mother died and four American citizens were kidnapped, of which two died.”

The incident has sparked outrage in Mexico and the United States, with many calling for justice for the victims. The Mexican government has vowed to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.

The US State Department has also issued a statement condemning the violence and offering its condolences to the families of the victims. The statement also urged US citizens to exercise caution when traveling in Mexico and to be aware of their surroundings.