Armed Attack at Mexico Football Match Kills 11

At least eleven people were killed and twelve others injured in a brazen armed attack on a football pitch in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato on 25 January, local authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred in a neighbourhood of Salamanca, a city known both for its industrial activity and its popular tourist sites.

According to a statement from the office of the city mayor, authorities have launched an operation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The statement confirmed that ten victims died at the scene, while an eleventh succumbed to injuries in hospital. The twelve injured individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, officials added.

This tragic incident follows another grisly discovery in the same city on the night of 24 January, when human remains were found in four separate bags, underscoring the persistent violence in the region.

Guanajuato, despite being a prosperous industrial hub with vibrant cultural and tourist attractions, has emerged as one of Mexico’s most violent states in recent years due to ongoing gang turf wars. The area has frequently been the site of clashes between rival criminal organisations, making public spaces increasingly vulnerable to such attacks.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, earlier in 2026, noted that her administration’s national security strategy had reduced the country’s overall homicide rate in 2025 to its lowest level in a decade. However, incidents such as the Salamanca attack highlight the continuing challenge posed by organised crime in certain regions.

Summary of the Salamanca Attack:

Authorities have appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide any information that could assist in the investigation. Meanwhile, local security forces have increased patrols across the city, particularly around public and recreational areas, in an effort to prevent further incidents.

The attack has shocked the community and reignited concerns over public safety in Guanajuato, where gang-related violence has increasingly spilled into civilian areas, including schools, markets, and sporting events.