Mexican soldiers detained after fatal shooting of migrants near Guatemala border
Six dead, ten injured in migrant shooting by Mexican soldiers near Guatemala border
Mexican authorities have detained soldiers involved in a fatal shooting incident on a pickup truck carrying migrants, federal prosecutors announced on Thursday. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday near the Guatemala border in Chiapas state, resulted in six deaths and ten injuries. The shooting took place the same day Claudia Sheinbaum was inaugurated as Mexico’s President. Sheinbaum condemned the killings, stressing the need for investigation and punishment to prevent future occurrences.
Mexican federal prosecutors identified three of the deceased migrants as Egyptian nationals, while another hailed from Peru and one from El Salvador. The Honduran foreign minister, however, refuted claims that any Honduran national was among the dead. The remaining survivors include citizens from Egypt, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Cuba, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors revealed that the soldiers are under investigation with cooperation from local authorities, rights experts, immigration officials, the Guatemalan government, and Interpol. The surviving migrants are being interviewed with support from consulates, psychologists, and specialized personnel.
Mexican soldiers fired on a truck carrying migrants near the Guatemalan border, killing six and injuring several others. It comes as Mexico's southern border continues to face US pressure to contain migration https://t.co/MUxJ8V96na pic.twitter.com/dY6dQaUspa
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 4, 2024
Mexico’s defense ministry initially stated that the soldiers fired after the truck attempted to evade a military patrol, with soldiers reportedly hearing explosions before opening fire. Later on Thursday, Mexico’s Catholic bishops criticised the “disproportionate use of lethal force” by the soldiers, attributing the tragedy to the militarization of migration policy and the increased armed forces presence at the southern border. They called for an impartial investigation.
Peru’s government condemned the killings and urged Mexican authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, El Salvador’s president’s office did not respond to requests for comments, and Egypt’s Mexican embassy stated it had no information to share.
The southern Mexican region bordering Guatemala faces a security crisis, with violent territorial disputes between powerful criminal groups escalating over the past year.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Newsweek reports six migrants killed by Mexican soldiers near Guatemala border, highlighting concerns over military authority and migrant safety amidst human smuggling issues in Chiapas.(read more)
- The New York Times reports on a fatal shooting in Mexico, where military personnel mistakenly killed six migrants, highlighting the risks and abuses faced by migrants amidst growing military power and oversight concerns.(read more)
- ABC News reports six migrants from Egypt, Peru, and Honduras were shot dead by Mexican soldiers near the Guatemalan border, raising concerns over migrant safety and military responsibility.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in Chiapas, Mexico?
Soldiers fired on a pickup truck, killing six migrants and injuring ten.
Who condemned the killings of the migrants?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and the country’s Catholic bishops condemned the killings.
Which nationalities were among the victims?
Victims included nationals from Egypt, Honduras, Peru, and El Salvador.
Why did the soldiers open fire on the truck?
The defense ministry said soldiers fired after the truck tried to evade a patrol and they heard explosions.
What actions are being taken after the incident?
Mexican federal prosecutors are investigating with local authorities, rights experts, and international organizations.
