US Army deploys troops to Texas border after cartel activity signs

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

The US Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas's Rio Grande Valley in response to elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.

The US Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas's Rio Grande Valley this month, shifting troops from elsewhere along the 2,000-mile border. US officials said the move responds to signs of elevated activity from drug cartels and has been accompanied by increased cooperation from the Mexican military.

Army Lt. Col. Ray Richards showed reporters a stretch of the Rio Grande in Roma, Texas that was previously one of the busiest spots for illegal border crossings from Mexico. The area is now quiet, with soldiers gathering at monitoring posts and US Border Patrol agents patrolling by boat and helicopter. Richards noted that before US forces made the area a priority last year, 'at any given time, there would be multiple rafts full of people trying to get to this side'.

The US Coast Guard recently encountered gunfire from the Mexican side of the river, prompting American forces to return fire. The Army has invited reporters to the region as it showcases the results of its increased presence and enforcement efforts along the border.

How it is being reported

• After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio GrandeThe U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.News4Jax · 13 Oct, 05:23
• After surging troops to the border, US Army showcases a quieter Rio GrandeThe U.S. Army is deploying hundreds of soldiers to Texas' Rio Grande Valley in response to what it says are signs of elevated activity from Mexican drug cartels.Clickorlando · 13 Oct, 05:23

In this story: US Army · Rio Grande Valley · Texas · Mexico · Mexican military · US Coast Guard · Ray Richards

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem