Mexican Soldiers Open Fire on Migrants, Killing Six – Reuters

MEXICO CITY – Mexican soldiers shot and killed six migrants when they fired upon a group of 33 migrants traveling in a pick-up truck that attempted to evade a military patrol, as announced by the defense ministry on Wednesday.

The ministry reported that another 10 migrants were injured during the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, involving individuals from Egypt, Nepal, Cuba, India, and Pakistan.

According to a statement from the ministry, the shooting took place shortly before 9 p.m. while the patrol was traveling along a highway near Huixtla, approximately 40 kilometers from Tapachula, close to the Guatemalan border.

The pick-up truck was reportedly followed by two vehicles resembling those commonly used by criminal organizations in the area. Soldiers indicated that they heard explosions, prompting two officers to open fire.

In response to the incident, the defense ministry stated that the two soldiers involved have been removed from their positions and referred to federal prosecutors for appropriate legal actions. A military tribunal will also conduct its own investigation.

The ministry expressed its commitment to acting in accordance with the law, emphasizing a policy of zero tolerance for impunity, and offering assistance to civil authorities to clarify the events.

Moreover, the ministry is coordinating with the foreign ministry to liaise with relevant embassies.

Tapachula, located in the southern state of Chiapas, serves as a significant entry point into Mexico for many migrants seeking to reach the United States, often fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries.

Chiapas has experienced violent clashes this year between rival cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel. In July, conflicts escalated, forcing approximately 600 individuals to flee into Guatemala.