Post by : Raina Mansoor
Photo : AP
SAN ANTONIO LIMON, Mexico — A tragic confrontation unfolded in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz when protests over alleged water contamination by a pork processing plant turned deadly. On Thursday, two individuals lost their lives as tensions escalated between local residents of San Antonio Limon and state security forces.
The community had been voicing concerns about environmental issues caused by the plant, accusing it of polluting the local aquifer and depleting water resources. In response, residents had blocked roads, demanding government intervention to address the situation.
The conflict reached a boiling point when state security forces arrived in San Antonio Limon, also known as Totalco. Protesters claimed that the police used excessive force, including physical violence and gunfire. According to the Veracruz state prosecutor's office, brothers Alberto (22) and Jorge Cortina Vázquez (27) were fatally shot during the clash. Carlos Cortina Vázquez, another brother, recounted that his siblings were not involved in the protest but were caught in the chaos.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
"They were just passing by and when the police started shooting, everyone scattered," Carlos said. "That's when they were shot at as if they were animals."
Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as residents sought refuge in their homes while approximately 400 police officers pursued them. Some residents displayed shell casings they claimed came from police weapons.
The Veracruz state prosecutor's office swiftly launched an investigation into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths. Meanwhile, the state interior agency, responsible for security matters, issued a statement asserting that the protesters had detained two state police officers and had shown reluctance to engage in dialogue.
"The closure of dialogue by the protest group exacerbated the situation," the agency stated, noting that this was not the first time demonstrators had blocked the highway for an extended period. The agency also announced that the case would be subject to an internal investigation by the state police.
Amidst the clashes, three members of the state security forces sustained injuries, according to the agency's report.
The incident in San Antonio Limon underscores the deep-seated tensions between communities and industrial operations in Mexico, highlighting environmental concerns and the sometimes fraught relationship between local residents and law enforcement.
Nalin Haley Calls Foreign Students Spies, Pushes Anti-Immigration Views
Nalin Haley stirs debate with anti-immigration and English-only stance, calling for limits on foreig
Bangladesh Earthquake Kills 6, Dhaka Shaken by 5.7 Magnitude Tremor
A strong Bangladesh earthquake kills 6, shakes Dhaka and nearby areas. Bangladesh earthquake trigger
Uber to Launch Starship Robot Deliveries in UK Cities
Uber teams up with Starship Technologies to bring Level 4 autonomous robot deliveries to Leeds and S
US Coast Guard Calls Swastikas, Nooses Potentially Divisive
US Coast Guard updates policy on hate symbols. Swastikas, nooses now called “potentially divisive,”
Google Enables Pixel to Share Files Directly With iPhones
Google Pixel 10 users can now send photos and files to iPhones using Apple’s AirDrop protocol in a s
Ahaan Panday Opens Up on Privilege, Rejects ‘Star Kid’ Tag After Hit Debut
Ahaan Panday discusses privilege, denies being a ‘star kid’, and gears up for his next YRF action-ro
Jaipur School Suicide CBSE Report Reveals Class 4 Girl Bullied
CBSE probe reveals Jaipur Class 4 student’s last hours before suicide. Bullying and school inaction
Frida Kahlo Painting Breaks Record, Sells for $55M at Auction
Frida Kahlo’s self-portrait sells for $55M, setting a new record for a woman artist at auction. Hist
Magnus Carlsen Confirms Entry for Doha Rapid and Blitz Event
Magnus Carlsen will compete in the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Doha, joining to
Anthony Kim Shines With 64 to Stay in Hunt at Saudi Invitational
Anthony Kim shot a bogey-free 64 at the Saudi Invitational, moving to 11-under as he fights for a ch
Maxey Scores 54 as 76ers Beat Bucks in Overtime Thriller
Tyrese Maxey scored a career-best 54 points as the 76ers defeated the Bucks 123-114 in overtime, wit
West Indies Recall Kemar Roach for New Zealand Test Tour
West Indies bring back veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach for their Test tour of New Zealand, with youn
PTPA Nears Settlement with Tennis Australia Over Player Concerns
PTPA is close to settling with Tennis Australia over player welfare concerns and tournament practice
Mushfiqur Rahim Hits Century in 100th Test Against Ireland
Mushfiqur Rahim scored a century in his 100th Test against Ireland, becoming the 11th batter in hist
Shubman Gill Misses Second Test, Rishabh Pant to Captain India
Shubman Gill ruled out of second Test vs South Africa; Rishabh Pant captains, Sai Sudharsan steps in