Poza Rica journalists targeted in armed attack in Veracruz

Journalists Elí Alejandro Martínez and Raymundo Perdomo were targeted in an armed attack on the night of Monday, August 24, in the Colonia Cazones neighborhood of Poza Rica, Veracruz. The assailants, reportedly on motorcycles, opened fire near a gas station on Avenida 20 de Noviembre.

While Perdomo managed to escape and is currently under the protection of authorities, Martínez was initially reported missing after being forced into a vehicle. Following an intensive search operation involving state and federal security forces, Martínez was located alive and has since provided a statement to the Prosecutor's Office.

The incident has heightened concerns regarding press safety in the region. Poza Rica has seen a series of violent attacks against journalists in 2026, including the killings of Carlos Leonardo Castro in January and Luis Ángel López Valdés in June. During the pursuit of the attackers, suspects reportedly deployed spike strips to hinder police vehicles.