NEW: 3 U.S. border agents wounded in gunfight with suspected smugglers off Puerto Rico coast
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas before testifying to a House committee on Nov. 15. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was killed, and two other agents were wounded in a gunfight with alleged smugglers near Puerto Rico on Thursday,The gunfight took place about 14 miles off the Puerto Rican coast along a major drug smuggling corridor from South America. At least one of the alleged smugglers also died from the shootout, AP reported citing CBP spokesman Jeffrey Quiñones.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said a CBP Air and Marine Operations agent was lost and "several others were gravely wounded" whileCBP's initial statement on the shooting did not indicate anyone was killed throughout the shooting.
"On Nov. 17, at approximately 8:00AM, three CBP Marine Interdiction Agents were involved in an exchange of gunfire with individuals on board a suspected smuggling vessel upon approach 14 miles off the coast of Cabo Rojo Puerto Rico," CBP's statement read. "The Marine Agents suffered various gunshot injuries as a result. The agents are being airlifted by CBP and Coast Guard to the Puerto Rico Trauma Center. The event is currently under investigation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available," it continued.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S. agent killed, two wounded in Puerto Rico gun battle with suspected drug smugglersA U.S. federal agent was killed and two were wounded in a gun battle with suspected drug smugglers on Thursday during an inspection of a vessel believed to be carrying drugs off the coast of Puerto Rico, U.S. officials said. 'These are brave members of our Air and Marine Operations within U.S. Customs and Border Protection,' said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in testimony before a U.S. Senate committee. Mayorkas, who was briefed on the situation Thursday morning, said the other agents 'were gravely wounded.'
Read more »
US agent, suspected smuggler killed off Puerto Rico coastThree U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have been wounded after exchanging gunfire with people “on board a suspected smuggling vessel” off the coast of Puerto Rico, officials said.
Read more »
3 US Customs agents shot, wounded off coast of Puerto RicoThe agency said the agents were being airlifted to the Puerto Rico Trauma Center and an investigation is underway.
Read more »
3 US Customs agents shot, wounded off coast of Puerto RicoThree U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have been wounded after exchanging gunfire with people “on board a suspected smuggling vessel” off the coast of Puerto Rico, officials said Thursday.
Read more »
US Customs and Border Protection agents shot approaching suspected smuggling boat off Puerto RicoDEVELOPING: Three federal marine agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection were shot at after they approached a suspected smuggling boat off the coast of Puerto Rico this morning, officials say.
Read more »