In a tragic incident near the town of Huixtla, in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexican army troops fired upon a truck carrying migrants from various countries. The shooting resulted in the deaths of six migrants from Egypt, Peru, and El Salvador, with ten others sustaining injuries.
President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the event as 'deplorable' and emphasized that such actions cannot be repeated. The soldiers involved in the shooting have been turned over to civilian prosecutors for questioning.
The Defense Department reported that the soldiers claimed to have heard shots as a convoy of three trucks approached their position. Subsequently, two soldiers opened fire on one of the trucks, which was carrying migrants from Nepal, Cuba, India, Pakistan, and other countries. Four migrants were found dead in the truck, with 12 others wounded. Tragically, two of the wounded migrants later succumbed to their injuries.
While the Defense Department did not confirm whether the migrants died as a result of army fire, local prosecutors verified that all victims had died from gunshot wounds. The incident is under investigation to determine if any commanders should face punishment.
Migrant rights activist Irineo Mujica expressed skepticism that the migrants or their smugglers would have initiated gunfire, citing the common practice of bribing their way through. The U.N. refugee agency in Mexico expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the risks migrants face during their journeys.
This is not the first instance of Mexican forces firing upon vehicles carrying migrants in the region, which is also plagued by drug cartel conflicts. The incident has raised questions about the use of force by the military and the protection of migrants traveling through Mexico.
President Sheinbaum, who recently attended a military ceremony where the armed forces pledged loyalty to her, faces potential embarrassment if the deaths are attributed to army fire. The incident underscores the challenges faced by migrants seeking safer and legal means of migration.
Authorities are working to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the shooting and ensure accountability for those involved. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by migrants and the need for comprehensive measures to protect their rights and safety.
