At least 11 people were killed in an armed attack at a soccer field in central Mexico, according to local authorities on Sunday.
The incident took place in the town of Salamanca in the violence-hit state of Guanajuato. Officials from the mayor&rsquo;s office confirmed the fatalities and said security forces had launched a large-scale operation to track down those responsible for the assault. Details about the motive behind the attack and the identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Guanajuato has been one of Mexico&rsquo;s most dangerous states in recent years, frequently witnessing deadly attacks linked to organised crime and turf wars between criminal groups. Authorities said investigations into the shooting were ongoing.
In a separate incident earlier this month, a crime reporter was killed in Mexico&rsquo;s Gulf coast state of Veracruz, underscoring the continuing dangers faced by journalists in the country.
The victim was identified by local media as Carlos Castro, the director of an online news outlet, C&oacute;digo Norte Veracruz, who also contributed to other regional publications. He was shot dead at a restaurant in the city of Poza Rica, according to reports.
State and local police, along with the National Guard, responded to the scene. A state commission responsible for journalist protection condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation.
Reports indicated that Castro had previously received threats and had spent months outside Veracruz for his safety. He had also relocated to Guanajuato in 2024 in an attempt to escape ongoing intimidation.
Castro is the first journalist killed in Mexico this year. The country remains one of the most dangerous in the world for media professionals, with multiple journalists and media workers killed annually amid widespread criminal violence.

Gunmen open fire in Guanajuato town as authorities launch manhunt

11 Killed in Armed Attack at Mexico Soccer Field

Gunmen open fire in Guanajuato town as authorities launch manhunt

January 26, 2026 | 12:47 IST