Four American citizens were shot and kidnapped by gunmen in northeastern Mexico after they drove across the border into the United States, the FBI said on Sunday.
The four Americans, whose identities are still unknown, crossed the city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas state on Friday, driving a white minivan registered in the American state of North Carolina, the FBI said in a statement released by the US Embassy in Mexico.
“Shortly after crossing the border, unknown perpetrators opened fire on the occupants of the vehicle. The four Americans were then placed in another vehicle and abducted by the gunmen,” the FBI said.
The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for any help rescuing victims and apprehending suspects.
The town of Matomoros, just across the US border near Bronswille, Texas, is riddled with violence linked to drug trafficking and organized crime.
The roads in the Tamaulipas region are considered the most dangerous in Mexico due to the risk of kidnapping and extortion by criminal groups.