In a tragic incident that has sparked outrage, Mexican soldiers opened fire on a pickup truck carrying migrants, resulting in the death of six individuals from Egypt, El Salvador, and Peru. The country's President Claudia Sheinbaum has described the event as 'regrettable' and has called for a thorough investigation.
The incident took place on Tuesday evening in Chiapas, a Mexican state bordering Guatemala. According to the Mexican Defense Ministry (SEDENA), soldiers spotted a vehicle carrying 33 migrants traveling at high speed. The ministry stated that the vehicle attempted to evade a military patrol, leading to suspicions of criminal activity.
Allegedly, two vehicles resembling those used by criminal groups in the region were following the pickup truck. The soldiers claimed to have heard explosions, prompting them to open fire. Tragically, four migrants lost their lives at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. Additionally, 12 individuals sustained injuries during the incident.
President Sheinbaum has confirmed the nationalities of the deceased migrants and has emphasized the need for accountability. The two soldiers involved have been relieved of their duties and are under investigation by the Attorney General's Office to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Chiapas has witnessed a surge in violence as rival cartels vie for control over smuggling routes for migrants and drugs. The Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel have been engaged in a territorial dispute in the area, leading to instability and displacements within the local population.
