Massacre At Soccer Field Leaves 11 Dead in Loma de Flores, Guanajuato

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

During the attack, more than 100 gunshots were heard.

In the community of Loma de Flores, a massacre occurred this Sunday afternoon, leaving at least 11 people dead, after an armed criminal cell stormed the Cabañas soccer field, where dozens of people were gathered.

In an initial report, minutes before 6 p.m., it was reported that armed men in several vehicles arrived in the vicinity of the sports field.

At that time, it was reported that there were seven people dead and five injured, but upon arriving at the scene, local media reported that the number of victims was rising, while ambulances continued to transport the injured.

It wasn't until 8 p.m. that the municipal government of Salamanca confirmed that 11 people had died, 10 at the field, and one more died while receiving medical attention.  In addition, 12 more people were injured and are hospitalized.

Loma de Flores is a community that borders Irapuato, and due to the proximity, most of the injured were taken to the General Hospital in that municipality, where a strong security operation is in place.

The first leg of the Loma de Flores Premier League final was held this Sunday, January 25th, at the Cabañas field in the community, bringing together dozens of families at the fields where the attack took place hours later.

According to residents, more than 100 gunshots were heard during the attack, causing panic. Several people began arriving at the field to look for their relatives.

Security forces from all three levels of government arrived at the scene to cordon off the area and set up an operation on the border with Irapuato, although there is currently no information about any arrests related to the attack. The municipal government headed by César Prieto Gallardo, a member of the Morena party, issued a press release in which it "strongly condemns" the violence that has occurred in recent days "in the municipality and the state," although the most impactful events were concentrated in Salamanca: on Saturday, five men were murdered and another was kidnapped, and later, black bags containing dismembered bodies were found at the entrance to the Vicente de Flores community.

"The Municipal Government of Salamanca expresses its most sincere solidarity with the families and individuals affected by these events, and reaffirms its commitment to support them and work continuously for the safety and peace of our community," the statement reads.

Loma de Flores, Guanajuato 

Source: Proceso