The deaths could prove a major embarrassment for President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office this week.
Six would-be migrants, mostly from Asia and the Middle East have died after Mexican soldiers fired on a group of 33 people travelling in a ute that had tried to evade a military patrol, the Defence Ministry, underlining tensions on Mexico’s southern border as it faces US pressure to contain migration.
A migrant walks on the highway, followed by a Mexican National Guard vehicle, towards the exit to Huixtla, Chiapas state, Mexico, in 2022.The ute was followed by two vehicles similar to those used by criminal groups in the area, it said, and soldiers reported hearing explosions after which two officers opened fire.The deaths shine a renewed spotlight on Mexico’s policy towards migrants as well as the growing role of the military in the country’s security.
Tapachula, in southern Chiapas state, is an entry point into Mexico for many migrants making the arduous journey towards the United States. Chiapas has also seen clashes this year between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel. In July, the turf wars sent some 600 people fleeing across the border into Guatemala.
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