Violence against Pemex facilities in Veracruz

A series of violent incidents targeting Pemex facilities has occurred in the state of Veracruz. On October 4, an armed group of hooded men robbed the ‘Las Turbinas’ facility in Papantla. During the robbery, two workers were subdued and tied up while the assailants stole a pickup truck, a motorcycle, and various company items. Although a vehicle linked to the assault was later found abandoned, no arrests were made.

On October 10, violence escalated at the Lázaro Cárdenas refinery in Minatitlán. Around 10:00 PM, an assailant, possibly traveling on a motorcycle, opened fire on security personnel at the facility’s north entrance. While initial reports focused on injuries, it has since been confirmed that two security guards died as a result of the attack. Eduardo Espinoza Gómez died at the scene, and Oscar Ochoa succumbed to his injuries at the Pemex Regional Hospital approximately 24 hours later.

Following the shooting, authorities recovered more than ten shell casings. A major security operation was deployed involving the National Guard, the Mexican Navy (SEMAR), the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), and state police. Investigations by the Veracruz State Attorney General's Office are ongoing, but no suspects have been apprehended.