Bunker, Robert J.

Kuhn, David A.

Scholarship@Claremont

Claremont CollegesScholarship @ ClaremontCGU Faculty Publications and Research CGU Faculty Scholarship1-1-2012Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 12: Forensics ofRecovered Weapons from Piedras Negras TacticalEngagement Between Los Zetas and GATE(Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales)David A. KuhnRobert J. BunkerClaremont Graduate UniversityThis Blog is brought to you for free and open access by the CGU Faculty Scholarship at Scholarship @ Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion inCGU Faculty Publications and Research by an authorized administrator of Scholarship @ Claremont. For more information, please contactscholarship@cuc.claremont.edu.Recommended CitationKuhn, David A. and Robert J. Bunker. "Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #12: Forensics of Recovered Weapons from Piedras NegrasTactical Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE (Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales).” Small Wars Journal. 31 May 2012. Web.Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #12By David Kuhn and Robert BunkerSWJ Blog Post | May 31 2012 - 4:22pmMexican Cartel Tactical Note #12: Forensics of Recovered Weapons from Piedras Negras Tactical Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE (Grupo de Armas y TÆcticas Especiales)Note Borderland Beat Reporter Chivis Martinez provided additional informational support pertaining to the Piedras Negras incident for this tactical note.Key Information:  Chivis Martinez Gunmen in Piedras Negras Attack, Block Roads and Terrorize the City. Borderland Beat, Wednesday, March 7, 2012, http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/gunmen-in-piedras-negras-attack-block.html?m=1.Chaos and panic erupted last night in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, the Mexican city that shares the border with Eagle Pass Texas.Around 8PM twitterers and libre network users began reporting that shootouts were occurring in various sectors of the city in what media sources are calling a narco rebellion. In the aftermath Sergio Sisbeles, a spokesman for security affairs of Coahuila, stated there were 10 known casualties of the attacks with no apparent losses by the narco group, but possibly there may be civilian casualties.Elements of GATE (special weapons and tactics group) and the narco group engaged in battle on Highway 75 and various parts of Piedras Negras. Using combat weapons and granadazos (grenades) the attacks lasted for hours.Terror gripped the city causing widespread turmoil. The first confrontation broke out on Highway 57 at around 5 PM and the Micare plant and offices. The violence triggered American federal authorities to close the two international bridges in Eagle Pass, Texas.A girls softball tournament was in progress while the violence was occurring, as the shootout ensued close to the playing field creating hysteria by the players and those attending the game, as they ran to safety.Buses were stopped by the gunmen, passengers robbed and the buses set afire.The armed gunmen are believed to be the Los Zetas cartel known to have control of Piedras Negras and are most likely responsible for the attacks.  The border with Mexico, Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras was closed to protect American citizens and prevent the violence from crossing over into the United States.By using buses and a crane, it was the gunmen themselves that blocked highway 57, and the Acuna/Piedras highway, virtually isolating and paralyzing the city.  Bullet ridden vehicles were left inoperable by the gunmen shooting out the tires leaving hundreds of ponchallantas (punctured tires) scattered and blocking the main traffic arteries of the city.A GATE officer was killed in the shootings, Maria Guadalupe Delgadillo, age 21, was dead at the scene however her fellow officer was alive but seriously wounded, he and the other wounded officers were taken to IMSS Clinic 11 for medical treatment, one in critical condition, four others serious condition and five in fair condition.Army tanks remained at the hospital to protect the safety of the wounded officers. This action was taken hoping to prevent the gunmen from gaining entrance and killing the officers, as often occurs in Mexico to survivors of such attacks.Recently, Piedras was one of the border cities receiving additional security as additional troops arrived such as the Marina and equipment including helicopters. On Monday of this week GATE troops arrived, and clearly preventing even greater loss of human life and property.UPDATE:  Coahuila’s Prosecutor’s Office   announced the arrest of Eusebio Hernandez Olivas, alias El Chebo and Eduardo HernÆndez Reyes alias El Guero. These individuals were arrested in the vicinity of the road that leads from Piedras Negras to the ciudad Acuæa and were arrested for involvement in the Piedras attack.  (see fotos below)  The state also emphasized that the GATE elements were deployed to Piedras this week to combat the alarming elevation of kidnapping and carjacking incidents in the city.Among the items confiscated from the attack:Black Durango model 2000A Toyota Tundra burgundyA GMC Sierra crew cab grayA Toyota Tundra, double cab, white, 2010 modelA double cab DODGE RAM, color red, model 201050 AK-47sTwo rocket launchersThree grenade launchersGrenadesAmmunitionSix radios (communication type)Three bullet-proof vestsCamouflaged bootsCamouflaged uniforms;HK machine gun with ammunitionMachine gun MDDLong gun (shotgun)20 long gun (R15A 22-caliber rifleA 33 caliber rifleDrugsAn antenna baseThe images of the captured weapons below are from Boletín de Prensa Piedras Negras- Detención 07 de Marzo 2012, https://www.facebook.com/notes/fiscal%C3%ADa-de-coahuila/bolet%C3%ADn-de-prensa-piedras-negras-detenci%C3%B3n-07-de-marzo-2012/337563779628298.This photo is an untouched original.GATE/For Public DistributionWho: Between Los Zetas (assumed) and GATE.What:  An engagement between criminal insurgents and Mexican state authorities that turned into running gun battles with infantry small arms (assault rifles, light machine guns, thrown/launched grenades, and rocket propelled grenades). Vehicles (with tires shot out) and buses (set on fire) were utilized by Zeta tactical units to channel opposing forces (to create kill zones) and to block main avenues of approach/hinder the mobility of responding GATE/law enforcement elements. NoteThe reporting of army tanks protecting the hospital is in error; rather armored cars (non-tracked vehicles) were deployed. Ten allied Mexican state casualties were noted from this engagement.When: Initially at 5:00 PM and then from 8:00 PM on for hours afterward, on Tuesday, 6 March, 2012.Where: On Highway 75 and in various parts of Piedras Negras, Coahuila (Across from Eagle Pass, Texas).Why: The Mexican government is deploying additional forces to Piedras Negras in order to retake de facto political control of the city from Los Zetas.Outside Expert Analysis: Sid Heal, a retired SWAT Captain (later Commander) with the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department and retired CWO5 with the U.S. Marines, was asked to evaluate the level of this engagement. According to Commander Heal Clearly, the confrontations between the authorities and criminals have escalated to war in all but name only. After some reflection, he further went on to state:One thing that occurred to me in retrospect is the long understood principle that the weaker adversary always seeks refuge.  The nearest and safest refuge is a short distance to the north. Inevitably then, some of these violent episodes will follow and I believe we are starting to see that very thing.  Moreover, there are historical precedents, not the least of which are the execution of 18 Americans by Pancho Villa in 1916 which resulted in the incursion by Gen. Pershing.  Accordingly, if the Mexican government is unable to protect their own citizenry it is at least not incredible that they would seek refuge because it would provide both a temporary sanctuary and potential punitive actions against the assailants by a stronger government.Commander Heals concerns are being echoed by many law enforcement officers along the U.S. Border. Increasingly, we are witnessing the emergence of zones of dual-sovereignty being established by the cartels on U.S. soil. The potential for the loss ofde facto political control in rural areas of Southern Texas across from Piedras Negras and other borderland towns controlled by the Mexican cartels is becoming a U.S. national security concern.Photographic Analysis: The following two photographs originally posted by GATE have had numbers added to them in order to label and identify the various weapons and hardware recovered. A third photograph of weapons on the table has then been enhanced and has had numbers added. It should be noted that the cartels are increasingly being armed with military grade weaponrythe same weaponry that would be provided to squad and platoon sized military units of insurgent forces and national armies. GATE/For Public DistributionGATE/For Public DistributionNote:  This roster is a culmination of the weapons and/or components shown in main photograph, the photographic enhancement of the items to the extreme right (displayed on the table nearest the banner).  Weapons and components were moved around as the photographs were taken and, therefore, some will appear only in certain photographs.  Additional enhancement of the photographs has revealed the presence of certain weapons that were not previously apparent due to placement and lighting.1. AK-47, 7.62 X 39mm, fixed stock.2. Grenade launcher, 40mm, rifle mount (mount configuration unknown).3. Assorted Ammunition, Rifle, .30 caliber or greater, type unknown.4. Grenade launcher, 40mm, M-79, standard format.5. Grenade launcher, 40mm, Multiple, 6-round capacity, mfg. unknown.6. Grenade launcher, 40mm, HK 69A1 Granatpistole, retractable butt-stock (Heckler & Koch).7. (7) 40mm Spin-stabilized Grenades, HE // HEDP:   (2) types present:      (4) Bearing strong resemblance to the U.S. M433 HEDP (Fragmentation / Shaped-charge).      (3) Bearing strong resemblance to the S. Korean K200 HE (Fragmentation / High Explosive).1. Ammunition, Rifle, .30 caliber or greater, type unknown.2. AK-47, 7.62 x 39mm, unknown origin, folding stock.3. AK-47, 7.62 x 39mm, military issue, fixed stock.4. Model 1919A4.30 cal. Browning Machine Gun, belt-fed, (U.S. produced or xact foreign copy).5. PG-7 Booster charge  for RPG-7 munitions.6. RPG round  PG-7VM (Romanian) HEAT with a modified fuze or an improvised fuze safety cover; heavily carried.7. RPG round  PG-7V Anti-tank; consistent with RFAS or Bulgarian mfg.8. RPG round  PG-7V Anti-tank; consistent with RFAS or Bulgarian mfg.9. RPG round  PG-7VM (Romanian) HEAT.10. RPG-7 Launcher, 40mm Russian (RFAS) or Eastern Bloc, heavily carried and recently fired.11. RPG-7 Launcher, 40mm Russian (RFAS) or Eastern Bloc, heavily carried.12. M-60 machine gun, 7.62 x 51mm, U.S. issue, produced sometime between 1996 and 1999.13. Ammunition, Military Ball, linked, 7.62 x 51mm (for the M-60).14. AK-47, Weapon origin uncertain, however, the folding stock that it is equipped indicates that it is Romanian, Polish, or post 1985 East German.15. Weapon not identifiable from view angle, but may be a semi-auto shotgun, box magazine fed.16. AK-47, 7.62 x 39mm, fixed stock.17. This firearm appears to be a pump-action rifle, .30 cal. or above, model / origin unknown.18. Limited item view prevents positive identification.19. Magazines, 7.62 x 39mm, 30-round capacity, loaded.  Magazine count:  108 // Total rounds:  3,240 rnds.20. (2) Hand-held Transceivers (appear to be VHF).21. Magazine, Drum, 7.62 x 39mm, AKM, 75-round capacity.22. Hand Grenades, delay fragmentation, M-26A1 design, country of origin not identifiable; possibly:  South African, South Korean, or U.S.23. Hand Grenade, appears to be an RFAS RDG-5 with UZRGM Fuze.24. Unknown container, possibly Deta-sheet (flexible explosive) rolled, or similar foreign compound.25. Packing container containing at least one PG-7 booster charge  for the PG-7 rounds.26. Canister, PG-7 booster charge.27. Canister, PG-7 booster charge.28. Tactical Vest, hand grenade configuration.29. Body armor, military.30. Tactical gear pouches.31. Tactical duty belt.32. Tactical Rifle sling, padded.33. Body Armor, tactical, threat level (Bullet resistance) unknown.34. This appears to be a ceramic plate/s for body armor shown (Item No. 40).Note:HK69A1 40mm Grenade launcher (Granatpistole)  [Item No. 6; is a very high quality 40mm launcher that is produced in Germany and is in service with a number of military and police forces, all of which are overseas.  There is a high likelihood that this weapon was hijacked or interdicted during a shipment of legitimate arms, possibly destined for delivery to the Mexican government.  Another probable example of a hijacked weapon in this group would be Item No. 19, the M-60 Machine gun of U.S. mfg.RPG-7 Presence:  The presence of two RPG-7s (Item Nos. 17 & 18) in this cache may have significance based upon their origin.  Components of the Mexican army appear to have fielded small numbers of RPG-7s within the past several years from sources currently unknown.  The RPG-7 has seen very limited use on the southern continent, with the exception of the El Salvador conflict that occurred in Central America in the mid 1980s.  While the dates of manufacture of these weapons are not readily apparent, they appear far too new to be from the El Salvador conflict.  They do however, appear, to be of European (RFAS or former Eastern Bloc) or Middle Eastern origin.Significance: Arms Transfer; Cartel TTPs; Cartel Weapons; Cross Border Violence Potentials; SWAT; Urban CombatBackground Source(s):Buggs, Problems in Piedras Negras. Borderland Beat, Sunday, October 16, 2011, http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/10/shootout-in-piedras-negras.html.Overmex, Mexico Army arrests 7 U.S. citizens in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Borderland Beat, Wednesday, September 7, 2011, http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/mexico-army-arrests-7-us-citizens-in.html.Gerardo, Piedras Negras in the Grip of Fear. Borderland Beat, Friday, May 28, 2010, http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2010/05/piedras-negras-in-grip-of-fear.html.Gerardo, Fall from Grace. Borderland Beat, Sunday, August 15, 2010, www.borderlandbeat.com/.../fall-from-grace.html.About the AuthorsDavid KuhnDavid A. Kuhn provides specialized law enforcement and first responder training throughout the United States, focusing on terrorism incident response, threat mitigation, and interdiction.  He is is a recognized authority in the area of military standoff weapons and deployment,MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems), and forensic analysis of incident areas where such weapons or explosives have been deployed.  Additionally, Mr. Kuhn has developed a number of comprehensive, advanced training courses designed to provide law enforcement agencies and Special Response Teams with the knowledge needed to address these emerging threats. Robert BunkerDr. Robert J. Bunker holds degrees in political science, government, behavioral science, social science, anthropology-geography, and history. Training taken includes that provided by DHS, FLETC, DIA, Cal DOJ, Cal POST, LA JRIC, NTOA, and private security entities in counter-terrorism, counter-surveillance, incident-response, force protection, and intelligence. Dr. Bunker has been involved in red teaming and counter-terrorism exercises and has provided operations support within Los Angeles County.Available online at :http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/mexican-cartel-tactical-note-12Links:{1} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/david-kuhn-0{2} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/robert-bunker{3} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/gunmen-in-piedras-negras-attack-block.html?m=1{4} https://www.facebook.com/notes/fiscal%C3%ADa-de-coahuila/bolet%C3%ADn-de-prensa-piedras-negras-detenci%C3%B3n-07-de-marzo-2012/337563779628298{5} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/10/shootout-in-piedras-negras.html{6} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/mexico-army-arrests-7-us-citizens-in.html{7} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2010/05/piedras-negras-in-grip-of-fear.html{8} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/.../fall-from-grace.html{9} http://smallwarsjournal.com/elcentro{10} http://smallwarsjournal.com/comment/reply/12791#comment-formCopyright ' 2013, Small Wars Foundation.Select uses allowed by Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 license per our Terms of Use.Please help us support the Small Wars Community.

Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 12: Forensics of Recovered Weapons from Piedras Negras Tactical Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE (Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales)

Keck Graduate Institute

Claremont Colleges
Scholarship @ Claremont
CGU Faculty Publications and Research CGU Faculty Scholarship
1-1-2012
Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 12: Forensics of
Recovered Weapons from Piedras Negras Tactical
Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE
(Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales)
David A. Kuhn
Robert J. Bunker
Claremont Graduate University
This Blog is brought to you for free and open access by the CGU Faculty Scholarship at Scholarship @ Claremont. It has been accepted for inclusion in
CGU Faculty Publications and Research by an authorized administrator of Scholarship @ Claremont. For more information, please contact
scholarship@cuc.claremont.edu.
Recommended Citation
Kuhn, David A. and Robert J. Bunker. "Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #12: Forensics of Recovered Weapons from Piedras Negras
Tactical Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE (Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales).” Small Wars Journal. 31 May 2012. Web.
Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #12
By David Kuhn and Robert Bunker
SWJ Blog Post | May 31 2012 - 4:22pm
Mexican Cartel Tactical Note #12: Forensics of Recovered Weapons from Piedras Negras Tactical 
Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE (Grupo de Armas y TÆcticas Especiales)
Note Borderland Beat Reporter Chivis Martinez provided additional informational support pertaining 
to the Piedras Negras incident for this tactical note.
Key Information:  Chivis Martinez Gunmen in Piedras Negras Attack, Block Roads and Terrorize the 
City. Borderland Beat, Wednesday, March 7, 2012, http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/gunmen-
in-piedras-negras-attack-block.html?m=1.
Chaos and panic erupted last night in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, the Mexican city that shares the 
border with Eagle Pass Texas.
Around 8PM twitterers and libre network users began reporting that shootouts were occurring in 
various sectors of the city in what media sources are calling a narco rebellion. In the aftermath 
Sergio Sisbeles, a spokesman for security affairs of Coahuila, stated there were 10 known 
casualties of the attacks with no apparent losses by the narco group, but possibly there may be 
civilian casualties.
Elements of GATE (special weapons and tactics group) and the narco group engaged in battle on 
Highway 75 and various parts of Piedras Negras. Using combat weapons and granadazos 
(grenades) the attacks lasted for hours.
Terror gripped the city causing widespread turmoil. The first confrontation broke out on Highway 
57 at around 5 PM and the Micare plant and offices. The violence triggered American federal 
authorities to close the two international bridges in Eagle Pass, Texas.
A girls softball tournament was in progress while the violence was occurring, as the shootout 
ensued close to the playing field creating hysteria by the players and those attending the game, as 
they ran to safety.
Buses were stopped by the gunmen, passengers robbed and the buses set afire.
The armed gunmen are believed to be the Los Zetas cartel known to have control of Piedras Negras 
and are most likely responsible for the attacks.  The border with Mexico, Eagle Pass and Piedras 
Negras was closed to protect American citizens and prevent the violence from crossing over into 
the United States.
By using buses and a crane, it was the gunmen themselves that blocked highway 57, and the 
Acuna/Piedras highway, virtually isolating and paralyzing the city.  Bullet ridden vehicles were left 
inoperable by the gunmen shooting out the tires leaving hundreds of ponchallantas (punctured 
tires) scattered and blocking the main traffic arteries of the city.
A GATE officer was killed in the shootings, Maria Guadalupe Delgadillo, age 21, was dead at the 
scene however her fellow officer was alive but seriously wounded, he and the other wounded 
officers were taken to IMSS Clinic 11 for medical treatment, one in critical condition, four others 
serious condition and five in fair condition.
Army tanks remained at the hospital to protect the safety of the wounded officers. This action was 
taken hoping to prevent the gunmen from gaining entrance and killing the officers, as often occurs 
in Mexico to survivors of such attacks.
Recently, Piedras was one of the border cities receiving additional security as additional troops 
arrived such as the Marina and equipment including helicopters. On Monday of this week GATE 
troops arrived, and clearly preventing even greater loss of human life and property.
UPDATE:  Coahuila’s Prosecutor’s Office   announced the arrest of Eusebio Hernandez Olivas, 
alias El Chebo and Eduardo HernÆndez Reyes alias El Guero. These individuals were arrested 
in the vicinity of the road that leads from Piedras Negras to the ciudad Acuæa and were arrested for 
involvement in the Piedras attack.  (see fotos below)  The state also emphasized that the GATE 
elements were deployed to Piedras this week to combat the alarming elevation of kidnapping and 
carjacking incidents in the city.
Among the items confiscated from the attack:
Black Durango model 2000
A Toyota Tundra burgundy
A GMC Sierra crew cab gray
A Toyota Tundra, double cab, white, 2010 model
A double cab DODGE RAM, color red, model 2010
50 AK-47s
Two rocket launchers
Three grenade launchers
Grenades
Ammunition
Six radios (communication type)
Three bullet-proof vests
Camouflaged boots
Camouflaged uniforms;
HK machine gun with ammunition
Machine gun MDD
Long gun (shotgun)
20 long gun (R15
A 22-caliber rifle
A 33 caliber rifle
Drugs
An antenna base
The images of the captured weapons below are from Boletín de Prensa Piedras Negras- Detención 07 de 
Marzo 2012, https://www.facebook.com/notes/fiscal%C3%ADa-de-coahuila/bolet%C3%ADn-de-
prensa-piedras-negras-detenci%C3%B3n-07-de-marzo-2012/337563779628298.
This photo is an untouched original.
GATE/For Public Distribution
Who: Between Los Zetas (assumed) and GATE.
What:  An engagement between criminal insurgents and Mexican state authorities that turned into running 
gun battles with infantry small arms (assault rifles, light machine guns, thrown/launched grenades, and 
rocket propelled grenades). Vehicles (with tires shot out) and buses (set on fire) were utilized by Zeta 
tactical units to channel opposing forces (to create kill zones) and to block main avenues of 
approach/hinder the mobility of responding GATE/law enforcement elements. NoteThe reporting of 
army tanks protecting the hospital is in error; rather armored cars (non-tracked vehicles) were deployed. 
Ten allied Mexican state casualties were noted from this engagement.
When: Initially at 5:00 PM and then from 8:00 PM on for hours afterward, on Tuesday, 6 March, 2012.
Where: On Highway 75 and in various parts of Piedras Negras, Coahuila (Across from Eagle Pass, 
Texas).
Why: The Mexican government is deploying additional forces to Piedras Negras in order to retake de 
facto political control of the city from Los Zetas.
Outside Expert Analysis: Sid Heal, a retired SWAT Captain (later Commander) with the Los Angeles 
Sheriffs Department and retired CWO5 with the U.S. Marines, was asked to evaluate the level of this 
engagement. According to Commander Heal Clearly, the confrontations between the authorities and 
criminals have escalated to war in all but name only. After some reflection, he further went on to state:
One thing that occurred to me in retrospect is the long understood principle that the weaker adversary 
always seeks refuge.  The nearest and safest refuge is a short distance to the north. Inevitably then, some 
of these violent episodes will follow and I believe we are starting to see that very thing.  Moreover, there 
are historical precedents, not the least of which are the execution of 18 Americans by Pancho Villa in 
1916 which resulted in the incursion by Gen. Pershing.  Accordingly, if the Mexican government is unable 
to protect their own citizenry it is at least not incredible that they would seek refuge because it would 
provide both a temporary sanctuary and potential punitive actions against the assailants by a stronger 
government.
Commander Heals concerns are being echoed by many law enforcement officers along the U.S. Border. 
Increasingly, we are witnessing the emergence of zones of dual-sovereignty being established by the 
cartels on U.S. soil. The potential for the loss of
de facto political control in rural areas of Southern Texas across from Piedras Negras and other borderland 
towns controlled by the Mexican cartels is becoming a U.S. national security concern.
Photographic Analysis: The following two photographs originally posted by GATE have had numbers 
added to them in order to label and identify the various weapons and hardware recovered. A third 
photograph of weapons on the table has then been enhanced and has had numbers added. It should be 
noted that the cartels are increasingly being armed with military grade weaponrythe same weaponry that 
would be provided to squad and platoon sized military units of insurgent forces and national armies. 
GATE/For Public Distribution
GATE/For Public Distribution
Note:  This roster is a culmination of the weapons and/or components shown in main photograph, the 
photographic enhancement of the items to the extreme right (displayed on the table nearest the banner).  
Weapons and components were moved around as the photographs were taken and, therefore, some will 
appear only in certain photographs.  Additional enhancement of the photographs has revealed the presence 
of certain weapons that were not previously apparent due to placement and lighting.
1. AK-47, 7.62 X 39mm, fixed stock.
2. Grenade launcher, 40mm, rifle mount (mount configuration unknown).
3. Assorted Ammunition, Rifle, .30 caliber or greater, type unknown.
4. Grenade launcher, 40mm, M-79, standard format.
5. Grenade launcher, 40mm, Multiple, 6-round capacity, mfg. unknown.
6. Grenade launcher, 40mm, HK 69A1 Granatpistole, retractable butt-stock (Heckler & Koch).
7. (7) 40mm Spin-stabilized Grenades, HE // HEDP:   (2) types present:
      (4) Bearing strong resemblance to the U.S. M433 HEDP (Fragmentation / Shaped-charge).
      (3) Bearing strong resemblance to the S. Korean K200 HE (Fragmentation / High Explosive).
1. Ammunition, Rifle, .30 caliber or greater, type unknown.
2. AK-47, 7.62 x 39mm, unknown origin, folding stock.
3. AK-47, 7.62 x 39mm, military issue, fixed stock.
4. Model 1919A4.30 cal. Browning Machine Gun, belt-fed, (U.S. produced or xact foreign copy).
5. PG-7 Booster charge  for RPG-7 munitions.
6. RPG round  PG-7VM (Romanian) HEAT with a modified fuze or an improvised fuze safety cover; 
heavily carried.
7. RPG round  PG-7V Anti-tank; consistent with RFAS or Bulgarian mfg.
8. RPG round  PG-7V Anti-tank; consistent with RFAS or Bulgarian mfg.
9. RPG round  PG-7VM (Romanian) HEAT.
10. RPG-7 Launcher, 40mm Russian (RFAS) or Eastern Bloc, heavily carried and recently fired.
11. RPG-7 Launcher, 40mm Russian (RFAS) or Eastern Bloc, heavily carried.
12. M-60 machine gun, 7.62 x 51mm, U.S. issue, produced sometime between 1996 and 1999.
13. Ammunition, Military Ball, linked, 7.62 x 51mm (for the M-60).
14. AK-47, Weapon origin uncertain, however, the folding stock that it is equipped indicates that it is 
Romanian, Polish, or post 1985 East German.
15. Weapon not identifiable from view angle, but may be a semi-auto shotgun, box magazine fed.
16. AK-47, 7.62 x 39mm, fixed stock.
17. This firearm appears to be a pump-action rifle, .30 cal. or above, model / origin unknown.
18. Limited item view prevents positive identification.
19. Magazines, 7.62 x 39mm, 30-round capacity, loaded.  Magazine count:  108 // Total rounds:  3,240 
rnds.
20. (2) Hand-held Transceivers (appear to be VHF).
21. Magazine, Drum, 7.62 x 39mm, AKM, 75-round capacity.
22. Hand Grenades, delay fragmentation, M-26A1 design, country of origin not identifiable; possibly:  
South African, South Korean, or U.S.
23. Hand Grenade, appears to be an RFAS RDG-5 with UZRGM Fuze.
24. Unknown container, possibly Deta-sheet (flexible explosive) rolled, or similar foreign compound.
25. Packing container containing at least one PG-7 booster charge  for the PG-7 rounds.
26. Canister, PG-7 booster charge.
27. Canister, PG-7 booster charge.
28. Tactical Vest, hand grenade configuration.
29. Body armor, military.
30. Tactical gear pouches.
31. Tactical duty belt.
32. Tactical Rifle sling, padded.
33. Body Armor, tactical, threat level (Bullet resistance) unknown.
34. This appears to be a ceramic plate/s for body armor shown (Item No. 40).
Note:
HK69A1 40mm Grenade launcher (Granatpistole)  [Item No. 6; is a very high quality 40mm 
launcher that is produced in Germany and is in service with a number of military and police forces, all of 
which are overseas.  There is a high likelihood that this weapon was hijacked or interdicted during a 
shipment of legitimate arms, possibly destined for delivery to the Mexican government.  Another probable 
example of a hijacked weapon in this group would be Item No. 19, the M-60 Machine gun of U.S. mfg.
RPG-7 Presence:  The presence of two RPG-7s (Item Nos. 17 & 18) in this cache may have significance 
based upon their origin.  Components of the Mexican army appear to have fielded small numbers of RPG-
7s within the past several years from sources currently unknown.  The RPG-7 has seen very limited use on 
the southern continent, with the exception of the El Salvador conflict that occurred in Central America in 
the mid 1980s.  While the dates of manufacture of these weapons are not readily apparent, they appear far 
too new to be from the El Salvador conflict.  They do however, appear, to be of European (RFAS or 
former Eastern Bloc) or Middle Eastern origin.
Significance: Arms Transfer; Cartel TTPs; Cartel Weapons; Cross Border Violence Potentials; SWAT; 
Urban Combat
Background Source(s):
Buggs, Problems in Piedras Negras. Borderland Beat, Sunday, October 16, 2011, 
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/10/shootout-in-piedras-negras.html.
Overmex, Mexico Army arrests 7 U.S. citizens in Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Borderland Beat, 
Wednesday, September 7, 2011, http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/mexico-army-arrests-7-us-
citizens-in.html.
Gerardo, Piedras Negras in the Grip of Fear. Borderland Beat, Friday, May 28, 2010, 
http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2010/05/piedras-negras-in-grip-of-fear.html.
Gerardo, Fall from Grace. Borderland Beat, Sunday, August 15, 2010, 
www.borderlandbeat.com/.../fall-from-grace.html.
About the Authors
David Kuhn
David A. Kuhn provides specialized law enforcement and first responder training throughout 
the United States, focusing on terrorism incident response, threat mitigation, and interdiction.  
He is is a recognized authority in the area of military standoff weapons and deployment,
MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems), and forensic analysis of incident areas 
where such weapons or explosives have been deployed.  Additionally, Mr. Kuhn has developed 
a number of comprehensive, advanced training courses designed to provide law enforcement 
agencies and Special Response Teams with the knowledge needed to address these emerging 
threats.
 
Robert Bunker
Dr. Robert J. Bunker holds degrees in political science, government, behavioral 
science, social science, anthropology-geography, and history. Training taken 
includes that provided by DHS, FLETC, DIA, Cal DOJ, Cal POST, LA JRIC, 
NTOA, and private security entities in counter-terrorism, counter-surveillance, 
incident-response, force protection, and intelligence. Dr. Bunker has been involved 
in red teaming and counter-terrorism exercises and has provided operations support 
within Los Angeles County.
Available online at :http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/mexican-cartel-tactical-note-12
Links:
{1} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/david-kuhn-0
{2} http://smallwarsjournal.com/author/robert-bunker
{3} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/gunmen-in-piedras-negras-attack-block.html?m=1
{4} https://www.facebook.com/notes/fiscal%C3%ADa-de-coahuila/bolet%C3%ADn-de-prensa-piedras-
negras-detenci%C3%B3n-07-de-marzo-2012/337563779628298
{5} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/10/shootout-in-piedras-negras.html
{6} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/mexico-army-arrests-7-us-citizens-in.html
{7} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2010/05/piedras-negras-in-grip-of-fear.html
{8} http://www.borderlandbeat.com/.../fall-from-grace.html
{9} http://smallwarsjournal.com/elcentro
{10} http://smallwarsjournal.com/comment/reply/12791#comment-form
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English

http://scholarship.claremont.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1247&context=cgu_fac_pub

Mexican Cartel Tactical Note No. 12: Forensics of Recovered Weapons from Piedras Negras Tactical Engagement Between Los Zetas and GATE (Grupo de Armas y Tácticas Especiales)

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