Three Cuban migrants, who were traveling in a truck mistakenly fired upon by the Mexican Army in Chiapas, are reported to be in good health, as confirmed by the Cuban Embassy in Mexico. "Our officials have communicated with Mexican authorities and confirmed that no Cuban nationals were killed," stated the diplomatic mission in a post on X.
The embassy further mentioned that after verifying their identities, although not disclosed, the Cuban Consul in Veracruz, Elisa Martínez, is providing assistance to them. The incident traces back to October 1, when Mexican soldiers fired upon a vehicle carrying 33 migrants from Cuba, Peru, Egypt, Nepal, India, and Pakistan, as explained in a statement by the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).
The shooting took place around 8:50 p.m. on a Tuesday along the Villa Comaltitlán-Huixtla highway in Chiapas, approximately 50 miles from the Guatemalan border. The Mexican Army was conducting ground patrols when they "spotted a pick-up truck speeding," according to the statement.
Mexican Army's Response and Justification
Upon noticing the Army's presence, the vehicle attempted to escape, followed by two other trucks "similar to those used by criminal groups in the area," the statement added. Local police reports indicate that the military pursued the convoy for several miles, and one of the vehicles veered off the road in an attempt to evade them.
The soldiers claimed they opened fire after hearing gunshots from one of the vehicles they were chasing, which was moving at high speed. The tragic incident resulted in four deaths on the spot, with another 12 individuals transported to a hospital where two more succumbed to their injuries. The remaining 17 migrants were handed over to immigration authorities.
International Call for Legal Migration Routes
Sedena announced that two soldiers have been relieved of their duties, and investigations are underway by the Attorney General's Office and the Military Justice General Office to determine the accountable parties. In the aftermath, several international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), have urged Mexican authorities to establish legal pathways for migrants to prevent future tragedies.