In Tula, Hidalgo state, Mexico, seven people were killed in an armed attack at a bar, with more than five others injured. The attackers fled the scene quickly.

Local federal and state security forces launched an operation around the area but have not arrested anyone so far. According to Firstpost, the attackers arrived in two pickup trucks and opened fire indiscriminately inside the bar. Four people died at the scene, and three more later succumbed at hospitals in Tula and Tepeji.

Authorities said Tula has long been known for active criminal gangs involved in fuel theft. Following the recent arrest of a cartel leader, tensions among rival gangs may have contributed to the attack.

Since the government launched a nationwide anti-drug operation in 2006, around 480,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence in Mexico, and over 120,000 remain missing.

Khaborwala/TSN