Terrifying shootout between army and drug gangs as rival Mexican cartels try to take control

This is the terrifying moment tensions between authorities and Mexico's notorious drug cartels came to a head when a brutal shootout took place near to the border with the US .

Pelts of bullets were exchanged by both the army and rival cartels in this dramatic clash over territory in the town of Rio Bravo, in the north-eastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas.

An "ongoing war" is believed to be taking place in the area as two rival drug gangs want to take over control of the Golfo Cartel area.

The conflict is said to have escalated and resulted in army officers having to get involved this week, with one terrified witness capturing the height of tensions on camera.