Mexico: 12 Dead After Gunmen Attack Christmas Party in Guanajuato State
It is Posada or Christmas Party season in Mexico but the celebrations were interrupted after a group of armed men attacked one in Guanajuato state, leaving a dozen people dead.
The Guanajuato state Attorney General confirmed that 12 people were killed during the attack on the Christmas party, but did not elaborate on any further details. However, local media reports have stated that a group of armed individuals opened fire on partygoers attending a posada, a traditional Mexican party.
During that attack, not only did the gunmen shoot at partygoers, but they also burned out several vehicles in the town of Salvatierra, Mexico. Images of the attack's aftermath showed one burnt-out truck being towed away from the scene, according to the New York Post.
Guanajuato used to be one of the safest states in all of Mexico. However, in recent years, it has become one of the deadliest places in Mexico with the highest homicide rate. Several criminal organizations are currently battling for supremacy here, with the most notable being the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Victims in Mexico Christmas Party Attack Were All Young People Attending a Posada
Another 12 people were reportedly wounded from the attack and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital where they are being treated.
According to Voice of America News, the Christmas party was organized by the Tierra Negra Foundation, which promotes social projects in the area. One of the people who attended the party but did not give his name for security reasons told reporters that around six people with long rifles entered the venue and began circulating among the 100 or so young people who were attending the event. They then opened fire, killing 12 and wounding 12 more.
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"We realized they were not invited, and when they were asked who they were, they started shooting," said the anonymous posada attendee who revealed that all the victims of the attack were young people.
The Tierra Negra Foundation addressed the attack on social media, with member Carlos Silva saying that the victims were "all young acquaintances, admired and very good people. It's a horror what is happening in Salvatierra."
Shootout in Tulum, Mexico Also Results in Multiple Deaths
Meanwhile, over at Quintana Roo State, the popular resort town of Tulum, long considered one of Mexico's top vacation hotspots, was the site of yet another deadly confrontation between drug gangs operating in the area.
According to the Associated Press, three men were killed in the attack, while another four people were left wounded after gunmen opened fire inside a local bar.
Quintana Roo state prosecutors alleged that the deadly attack "may have been a dispute involving retail drug sales, and for that reason, the safety of the public and that of our visitors was never at risk."
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
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