Home » Six migrants killed in Mexico after soldiers open fire on vehicle near Guatemalan border

Six migrants killed in Mexico after soldiers open fire on vehicle near Guatemalan border

The incident, which occurred 25 miles north of the Guatemala border, left another 10 injured as military forces attempted to stop the high-speed vehicle.

In a tragic escalation of migrant tensions, six people were killed when Mexican soldiers opened fire on a vehicle carrying 33 migrants in southern Mexico, the defense ministry confirmed. The incident, which occurred 25 miles north of the Guatemala border, left another 10 injured as military forces attempted to stop the high-speed vehicle.

The Mexican defense ministry said the soldiers began pursuit after the vehicle tried to evade a military checkpoint. According to their statement, the soldiers reported hearing explosions, prompting two officers to open fire. Both officers have been suspended pending an investigation into the deadly shooting.

The group of migrants hailed from Egypt, Nepal, Cuba, India, and Pakistan, though the nationalities of the deceased have not been confirmed. Four victims died at the scene, while two succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The remaining survivors have been handed over to immigration authorities.

The incident comes as Mexico faces increasing pressure from the United States to curb the flow of migrants crossing through its territory en route to the U.S. border. Thousands of migrants risk dangerous journeys through Mexico each year, often falling prey to fatal accidents, criminal gangs, or corrupt officials. Just two years ago, a truck smuggling migrants overturned in the same Chiapas state, killing 56 people.

In response to the latest tragedy, the defense ministry pledged its commitment to “act in strict accordance with the rule of law, under a policy of zero-impunity,” as both federal prosecutors and a military tribunal launch their investigations into the shooting.

As the migrant crisis continues to strain Mexico’s resources and policies, this deadly incident underscores the perilous realities faced by those seeking safety and opportunity north of the border.

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