Six migrants died and 10 more were injured by gunshots after a chase by elements of the Mexican Army in the municipality of Villa Comaltitlán, Chiapas, authorities reported.
Security sources indicated that SEDENA elements were patrolling the lower area of the coastal town when they intercepted a truck that tried to flee near the Los Cocos community.
The soldiers began a chase and were attacked by gunfire, so they responded to the attack and shot at the vehicle.
Four foreigners died at the scene and two more died later while receiving medical attention at a hospital in the municipality of Huixtla, where they were taken along with 10 other injured people.
SEDENA reported in a statement that the migrants are of Egyptian, Nepalese, Cuban, Hindu, Pakistani and Arab nationality. In addition, 17 were unharmed and were handed over to the National Migration Institute, while the support of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs was requested to establish communication with the countries’ embassies.
Meanwhile, two soldiers who fired their weapons were removed from their positions “and as this was an incident in which civilians were affected, the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic was informed so that it could carry out the corresponding legal proceedings and determine the responsibilities that correspond.”
The Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) reported that two elements of the Army were suspended from their duties and informed the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to investigate what happened last night.
The military institution indicated that in addition to informing the FGR “to carry out the corresponding legal proceedings and determine the corresponding responsibilities; without prejudice to the Attorney General’s Office of Military Justice, carrying out investigations regarding military discipline.”
They demand justice for murdered migrants
The Southern Border Monitoring Collective, which brings together various pro-migrant and human rights organizations, demanded justice for the victims, including minors.
In a statement they indicated that the versions released so far only collect official information, but that of the migrants must also be known.
“We endorse that this type of investigation must be focused on the direct testimony of the victims, in dignified conditions, with total impartiality and security guarantees; Likewise, the responsibility of the corresponding chain of command must be recognized, as well as the institutional and political responsibility for the factors and conditions that favor this type of events,” the Collective demanded.
Furthermore, they accused that these types of events “are a consequence of the restrictive immigration policies that the Mexican State continues to implement. They are especially a direct consequence of ordering military deployment to contain migratory flows under a logic of persecution and not protection of people in mobility, violating and dehumanizing people, putting their physical and emotional integrity and their lives at risk. .
For this reason, they demanded that the Federal Government implement immigration policies that protect human rights; prompt and impartial investigation; provide comprehensive care to victims and their families; and that there is reparation for the damages; facilitate the repatriation of bodies; among other requests.
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