9 killed in suspected gang-related shooting in central Mexico

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - Six men and three women were murdered Wednesday in central Mexico in an apparent confrontation between rival gangs

According to initial reports, residents of a middle-class neighborhood of Atlixco city in Puebla state heard gunshots during the pre-dawn hours at a private residence. After a 911 call was made, paramedics and local police rushed to the scene, where they discovered nine bodies and a seriously wounded survivor.

Local authorities have yet to identify any suspects in the shooting.

Puebla Governor Miguel Barbosa shared preliminary information on the case at a press conference.

According to Barbosa, the killings were an apparent settlement between rival gangs. He further disclosed that the victims were not originally from Puebla but outsiders who were in the city for drug trafficking related activities.

“We will not let Puebla go rotten. We will not let one gang eradicate another gang in Puebla in their internal struggles because then we empower the winner and they become dominant,” he said.

According to the National Public Security System, Mexico registered a total of 33,308 homicides in 2021. Puebla recorded 809 homicides in the same period.

Gang-related violence in the country has come under intense public scrutiny after multiple shootings in Mexico involving organized crime and drug cartels have become more prominant in the country.

At least 17 people were shot dead at a funeral last month in Michoacan state, with the assailants reported to be members of organized crime groups.

According to the latest figures from Puebla's government, 64 homicides were registered in the state in January.