Mexico's new president confirmed that three civilians, including a child, lost their lives in two separate shootouts involving the military in Nuevo Laredo, a violent border city. President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that a soldier was also killed during one of the incidents, which occurred last week and are currently under investigation.
The first incident took place when a nurse, her husband, and son encountered soldiers pursuing suspects' vehicles. Tragically, the nurse lost her life in the crossfire. President Sheinbaum emphasized that criminal groups in Nuevo Laredo have frequently targeted the army and National Guard.
The second tragic event occurred when an 8-year-old girl and her grandmother were caught in the middle of a pursuit by soldiers or National Guard officers. The grandmother reported that their car was stuck between a military vehicle and an SUV being pursued, resulting in gunfire from the military.
In response to these incidents, President Sheinbaum assured that any misconduct by military or National Guard members would be punished. The Defense Department, overseeing the National Guard, refrained from immediate comment on the shootings.
These events come in the wake of another deadly incident involving the army, where six migrants were killed near Tapachula. Former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's administration significantly expanded the military's role in law enforcement, creating the militarized National Guard as a primary law enforcement agency.
While some argue that the military is ill-equipped for civilian law enforcement, others point to the escalating criminal activity in certain regions, leaving soldiers vulnerable to attacks. The severity of these challenges has led to a defensive stance by the armed forces, resulting in swift responses to perceived threats.
Critics have raised concerns about the military operating above civilian authority, highlighting the need for accountability and oversight in law enforcement operations involving the armed forces.
As investigations into these incidents continue, the debate over the military's role in public security and law enforcement in Mexico remains ongoing.
