Mexican army opens fire on migrants, killing 6, including Indian
Six people were killed when Mexican soldiers opened fire on a truck transporting dozens of migrants near Huixtla, Chiapas state on Tuesday evening. According to a press release from Mexico's Ministry of Defense, "Military personnel identified 33 migrants of Egyptian, Nepalese, Cuban, Indian, Pakistani and Arab nationality" at the scene. The defense ministry's statement revealed that four migrants were found dead at the scene and 12 were injured. Two more died while being transported to a local hospital.
Migrant fatalities and injuries in military shooting
The incident reportedly began around 8:50pm when soldiers observed a pick-up-like vehicle moving at high speed. The press release explained that the truck "evaded military personnel" and was pursued by two vehicles resembling those used by criminal groups in the area. "The two soldiers opened fire after hearing detonations," the Defence Ministry said.
Soldiers removed from posts, case referred to prosecutors
The two soldiers who opened fire have been removed from their posts following the incident. The case has now been referred to federal prosecutors and the military's own tribunal. In a statement, the defense ministry reaffirmed its commitment to act in strict accordance with the rule of law under a policy of zero-impunity. It also expressed readiness to assist civil authorities in shedding light on the facts surrounding this tragic event.
US-Mexico border named 'deadliest land route for migrants worldwide'
The US government has been urging Mexico to enhance its enforcement efforts to curb irregular migration northwards, a point of contention between the two nations. Last year, the International Organization for Migration labeled the path to the US-Mexico border as the "deadliest land route for migrants worldwide." Around 686 deaths and disappearances of migrants were documented on the US-Mexico border in 2022 alone.
