SIX MIGRANTS DIE AFTER MEXICO SOLDIERS OPEN FIRE
Six Migrants Die After Mexico Soldiers Open Fire
Six migrants were killed after Mexican soldiers opened fire on a vehicle carrying 33 people in Chiapas, near the Guatemala border.
Incident Overview
The Mexican defense ministry reported the incident occurred on Tuesday evening, about 25 miles from the border. The military patrol noticed the vehicle speeding and attempting to evade a stop.
Following alleged explosions, two soldiers fired at the vehicle. They have been removed from their duties pending an investigation.
Details of the Incident
A police report indicated the soldiers pursued the vehicle after it ignored an army checkpoint. Upon fleeing down a dirt road, the driver lost control.
Four migrants died at the scene, while two of the 12 wounded succumbed to their injuries later. The remaining 17 passengers were handed over to immigration authorities.
Context and Implications
According to the defense ministry, the migrants hailed from Egypt, Nepal, Cuba, India, and Pakistan, although their nationalities were not disclosed regarding those who died.
The incident highlights the ongoing pressures on Mexico to control migrant traffic heading to the U.S. Thousands traverse the country annually, often facing risks of fatality, kidnapping, and extortion.
Call for Accountability and Change
Mexico's defense ministry committed to adhering to the rule of law and cooperating with civil authorities during the investigation. This tragedy reinforces the urgent need for addressing the hazards faced by migrants in their perilous journeys.
