Five musicians who went missing in Reynosa, Mexico, have been confirmed dead, with authorities attributing their murders to suspected members of the Gulf Cartel. The musicians, part of the local group Grupo Fugitivo, were last seen on May 25th while heading to a private event. According to Irving Barrios Mojica, attorney general for Tamaulipas, their family members received ransom demands shortly after their disappearance, signaling a grim fate.
In connection with the case, nine alleged Gulf Cartel members have been arrested. During these arrests, officials also seized nine firearms and two vehicles, highlighting the violent backdrop of organized crime in the area. The deceased musicians, aged between 20 and 40, were known for performing regional Mexican music, which often comprises corridos that pay tribute to drug cartels and their leadership.
It remains uncertain whether their music led to their targeting or if they were merely collateral damage in the broader conflict gripping Tamaulipas. The Gulf Cartel has been labeled a "global terrorist organization" by the Trump administration, reflecting the extensive violence within the region.
Travel advisories from the US embassy have warned citizens against visiting Reynosa due to high risks of crime and kidnapping. This includes recurring gun battles that are common along the border, leaving local law enforcement struggling to manage the situation effectively.
