Five Mexican Musicians Found Dead After Alleged Cartel Abduction

Five members of a Mexican music group were reportedly kidnapped and killed by suspected cartel operatives after traveling to perform in a high-crime city in northeastern Mexico.

According to Diario de Mexico, the bodies of the missing musicians were recovered following their disappearance on Sunday. Authorities have detained nine individuals believed to be connected to the abduction and murders.

Officials say the suspects are affiliated with the “Los Metros” faction of the Gulf Cartel, a criminal organization active in Reynosa, a city in Tamaulipas state near the U.S. border.

“Nine people suspected of involvement have been taken into custody. They are identified as members of a criminal cell tied to the Gulf Cartel,” stated Tamaulipas Attorney General Irving Barrios during a press briefing.

Tamaulipas is one of the most dangerous regions in Mexico, plagued by organized crime including drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, extortion, and violent acts tied to cartels.

The arrests were announced shortly after authorities confirmed the discovery of the five musicians’ bodies. The victims were part of a local band known as Fugitivo.

Family members say the musicians were scheduled to perform on Sunday, but upon arrival, found the concert site was nothing more than an empty lot. Loved ones had staged demonstrations demanding authorities take urgent action and reported receiving ransom messages during the ordeal.

In Mexico, musicians have previously been targeted by cartels, especially when songs are perceived to support or glorify rival groups or gang leaders.

Barrios explained that the investigation used surveillance video and cellphone data to track the musicians’ last known locations. Authorities also confiscated nine firearms and two vehicles believed to be linked to the suspects.

Mexico continues to face a staggering toll from organized crime, with over 480,000 lives lost to cartel violence and more than 120,000 people reported missing in recent years.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Mexican Musicians Killed