A one-year-old baby and a seven-year-old girl were among six people shot dead in another day of violence in Mexico's troubled southern state of Guerrero, authorities said Tuesday.
At least one of the six victims in Monday's killing in the municipality of Chilapa was related to the town's former police chief, the state prosecutor's office said in a statement.
The latest murders left a death toll of at least 22 people killed in two days of violence in Guerrero, a region beset by drug crimes.
On Sunday, 12 people were killed when a shootout erupted during a cockfight in the town of Cuajinicuilapa. The same day, four more were killed on a football field in an unrelated shooting in the resort of Acapulco.
Guerrero Governor Hector Astudillo said he suspects that two criminal gangs were behind the massacre at the cockfight, which took place in a part of the state not accustomed to that type of violence.
Chilapa, however, has been mired in a turf war between two drug gangs -- Los Rojos and Los Ardillos -- battling for control of heroin trafficking routes in this major opium poppy growing region.
The state prosecutor's office had few details about Monday's attack and victims in Chilapa. But a senior state police official said the two children and three adults were fleeing in a taxi as gunmen pursued them.
The gunmen killed them and burned the taxi, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
One of the victims, who was not identified, was related to former Chilapa police chief Silvestre Carreto Gonzalez, who was sacked in July 2014, prosecutors said.
"Among the victims we have a seven-year-old minor and another who was one, along with his mother and two other adults," the state police official said, adding that all five appeared to be related to Carreto Gonzalez.
Carreto Gonzalez's son was killed a week ago.
The sixth victim was found dead in another nearby location with AK-47 bullet wounds, the official said.
In May, at least 10 people disappeared from Chilapa when a mysterious group of 300 armed men occupied the town for several days. Five of those missing shared the same last name as Carreto Gonzalez.
The town is only 38 kilometers (23 miles) from Ayotzinapa, home to the teacher training college attended by 43 students who disappeared at the hands of corrupt police in another part of Guerrero last year.
AFP
Wed Nov 11 2015
A soldier stands guard in a touristic area of Acapulco, in the Mexican state of Guerrero. - AFP PHOTO / PEDRO PARDO
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.