A Sunday football match in central Mexico turned into a nightmare.
How does a place meant for cheers and family chatter become a crime scene in seconds?
In the city of Salamanca, at least 11 people were killed.
Around a dozen more were injured when gunmen opened fire on locals gathered at a neighbourhood football pitch.
Witnesses say several vehicles pulled up, and the attackers began shooting without warning — or mercy.
Families were still socialising after a local match. Among the dead: at least one woman and one child.
Neighbours later said they heard what sounded like “endless gunfire” — more than 100 shots — echoing through the Loma de Flores area.
Local and federal forces are now investigating, but for many residents, the horror feels painfully familiar.
Salamanca sits in Guanajuato, Mexico’s deadliest state last year.
Cartel Turf War
Why here? Analysts point to violent turf wars between two powerful gangs — the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Cartel de Santa Rosa de Lima.
Both profit from fuel theft, drug trafficking and extortion, and Salamanca’s major Pemex refinery makes it a prime target.
“These groups fight over control of fuel routes and territory,” one security analyst explained. “Civilians often end up paying the price.”
The violence doesn’t stop at Mexico’s borders. The US has labelled CJNG a terrorist organisation.
It has imposed sanctions, and ramped up strikes on alleged drug-smuggling operations.
Legal experts question the strategy. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has instead opted for cooperation.
Handing over dozens of suspects to Washington.
But as another pitch falls silent, one question lingers: how many more games will end this way?
