A group of 47 pilgrims belonging to the Diocese of Nuevo Laredo was assaulted by an armed group while traveling on a bus along the Irapuato bypass in Guanajuato. The parishioners were heading toward the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City when they fell victim to a criminal setup.
Key details of the incident include:
The False Checkpoint: The bus was intercepted during the early morning hours after the driver noticed flashing emergency lights and individuals wearing uniforms resembling those of the National Guard, signaling them to pull over.
The Assault: Once the doors opened, between eight and ten masked, armed men emerged from the bushes, boarded the vehicle, and threatened the passengers—which included children and senior citizens.
Stolen Valuages: The attackers stripped the travelers of their cash, mobile phones, wallets, and luggage.
Injuries: During the confrontation and robbery, several individuals suffered physical injuries, including the driver—who sustained a nasal bone fracture—along with organizers and passengers who were struck or beaten during the altercation.
Ecclesiastical Response: Bishop Luis Carlos Lerma Martínez of the Diocese of Nuevo Laredo confirmed and denounced the attack. While expressing relief that no lives were lost, church authorities and organizers strongly urged federal and state governments to reinforce highway surveillance and protect travelers and religious groups from ongoing insecurity.
Source: https://www.jornada.com
