Six migrants tragically lost their lives after Mexican soldiers opened fire on a vehicle transporting a group of 33 individuals in the southern part of the country. The incident occurred approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of the Guatemala border, with the Mexican defense ministry reporting that another 10 migrants sustained injuries.
According to the ministry, military personnel spotted the migrants’ pickup truck speeding away and attempting to evade a checkpoint. After hearing what they described as explosions, two officers discharged their weapons, leading to the fatalities. The soldiers involved have been removed from their duties pending an investigation.
The migrants, hailing from countries including Egypt, Nepal, Cuba, India, and Pakistan, faced a perilous journey through Mexico, which has come under U.S. pressure to tighten border controls. Four individuals died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The remaining 17 passengers were subsequently handed over to immigration authorities.
Federal prosecutors and a military tribunal are set to investigate the incident. The Mexican defense ministry has pledged to adhere to the rule of law and support civil authorities in uncovering the facts surrounding this tragic event.