What happened at the football pitch in Salamanca, Mexico?

Gunmen opened fire on locals gathered at a football pitch after a match, killing at least 11 people and injuring 12.

Why is Guanajuato state experiencing so much violence?

Guanajuato state has the highest murder rate in Mexico due to intense activity from gangs involved in oil theft, drug trafficking, and extortion, often fueled by cartel rivalries.

What is the connection between Mexican cartels and the United States?

Criminal activities of cartels like CJNG and CSRL, including smuggling stolen fuel and illicit drugs, spread violence into the United States, prompting US government actions such as sanctions and designations.

Home / Crime and Justice / Mexico Football Pitch Massacre: 11 Dead, 12 Hurt

Mexico Football Pitch Massacre: 11 Dead, 12 Hurt

26 Jan

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Summary

Gunmen opened fire at a football pitch in Salamanca, Mexico, killing 11.
The attack occurred during a social gathering after a local match.
Guanajuato state, where Salamanca is located, has the highest murder rate in Mexico.

Mexico Football Pitch Massacre: 11 Dead, 12 Hurt

On Sunday, a brutal shooting at a football pitch in Salamanca, central Mexico, claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and left another dozen injured. Witnesses reported that armed assailants arrived in multiple vehicles and indiscriminately fired upon attendees who were socializing after a local football match. Among the victims were at least one woman and one child.

The state of Guanajuato, where Salamanca is situated, recorded the highest number of homicides across Mexico last year, underscoring the severity of the ongoing violence. This incident follows a series of violent events in Salamanca the previous day, which resulted in five deaths and one abduction.

Guanajuato is experiencing a surge in criminal activity driven by gangs involved in oil and fuel theft, drug trafficking, and extortion. The presence of a major Pemex refinery in Salamanca makes it a frequent target for violent gang-related attacks, often attributed to rivalries between cartels such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima (CSRL).