Washington, DC: Eleven Nepalese citizens have been confirmed to be among the 33 immigrants detained by Mexican border forces following a shooting incident near the Mexico-Guatemala border. While three Nepalese individuals are currently receiving medical treatment for injuries, the Nepali Embassy in Washington has confirmed that no Nepalese fatalities occurred during the incident.
According to the embassy’s press note, the 11 detained Nepalese are in the custody of Mexican immigration authorities. The embassy maintains close communication with relevant Mexican officials and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
The tragic incident involved the Mexican army firing upon a truck carrying immigrants, including Nepalese citizens. Six people were killed in the shooting, and ten more were injured in a separate incident approximately 40 kilometers north of the Guatemala border. The truck’s passengers included individuals from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Cuba, and Arabia.
The Mexican Ministry of Defense reported that four people died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries at a hospital. The incident occurred during a border patrol operation when soldiers heard an explosion from a vehicle carrying migrants.
Reuters news agency cited officials stating that soldiers attempted to stop the truck at a checkpoint in Huistla, Chiapas state, but resorted to gunfire when the vehicle failed to comply. The soldiers involved in the shooting have been suspended pending further investigation.
The South Chiapas route along the Mexico-Guatemala border is a common pathway for individuals seeking to enter the United States through illegal means. Human traffickers have been exploiting vulnerable individuals from Nepal and other countries, charging exorbitant sums of money for risky journeys.
In response to the increasing number of illegal border crossings, Mexico has implemented stricter measures to curb such activities. The United States has been urging the Mexican government to take decisive action to address the issue. International media reports indicate that Mexico has tightened border security in response to pressure from the United States.
