At least six people were killed and 26 others sustained injuries after three gunmen opened fire on partygoers in northern Mexico, as reported by news agency AP. Prosecutors in the border state of Sonora said the killings in the city of Ciudad Obregon were an attack on a suspected cartel member who was wanted in homicide and other charges, as reported by AP.
The Sonora state prosecutor's office also stated that the unidentified target was killed along with five others, while 26 people were injured in the early morning attack in the municipality of Cajeme. Two of the dead were under 18 years old, and five of the wounded were children. According to AP, four of the injured were reported to be in critical condition at local hospitals, while 13 others were treated and released.
"Initial investigations indicate that it was a direct attack against the leader of a criminal group who had arrest warrants for attempted femicide, homicide, illegal deprivation of liberty, and criminal association," the Sonora state prosecutor's office said, as quoted by AFP. A fourth gunman who participated in the attack was already at the party, AP reported. The suspected cartel member tried to flee but was killed. The attackers were able to fled the scene.
On December 17, gunmen opened fire at a Christmas party attended by young Mexicans in the central state of Guanajuato, claiming 11 lives, as reported by AFP.