One member of Mexico’s navy was killed and three were injured on Saturday when they came under fire while patrolling a section of state-run oil firm Pemex’s frequently plundered pipelines, the country’s naval secretary (SEMAR) said.
Members of the navy were monitoring part of the Tuxpan-Azcapotzalco pipeline , which runs from the southeastern state of Veracruz to Mexico City , the navy secretary said in a statement, adding that the attack had occured in Xicotepec, Puebla .
“Given the high number of attackers, unfortunately one element of our institution was killed. Furthermore, three members of the navy were injured, though they are now stable and have been moved to a hospital to receive specialized medical attention,” SEMAR informed through a press release.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador
has vowed to crack down on the country’s rampant fuel theft, which cost Pemex an estimated $3 billion last year alone.
“Groups dedicated to fuel theft have increased the level of aggression against the staff of this institution,” the navy secretary said. “The navy secretary of Mexico rejects these actions and reaffirms its commitment to act firmly in defense of the peace of Mexico.”
dm