In a tragic incident near the Guatemala border, six international migrants, including individuals from India and Pakistan, lost their lives after Mexican soldiers opened fire on their vehicle. The Mexican Defence Department confirmed that the shooting took place late Tuesday in the southern state of Chiapas, near the town of Huixtla.
According to the Defence Department’s statement, soldiers fired upon a truck carrying migrants after claiming to have heard gunshots as the vehicle approached their position. The truck was reported to be carrying migrants from several countries, including Egypt, Nepal, Cuba, India, and Pakistan.
Following the shooting, soldiers approached the truck and found four migrants dead at the scene. Twelve others sustained injuries, with two of the wounded later dying, raising the total death toll to six. The condition of the remaining ten injured migrants remains undisclosed. Local prosecutors confirmed that all deceased migrants suffered gunshot wounds, but it is still unclear whether they were struck by army fire or if any weapons were found in the vehicle.
The two soldiers involved in the shooting have been relieved of their duties while an investigation is conducted. In Mexico, incidents involving civilians can lead to civilian prosecution, while soldiers may also face military courts martial.
A total of 33 migrants were on board the truck at the time, with 17 others unharmed.