At least 11 people were killed and 12 others injured after gunmen opened fire at a football field in Salamanca, located in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, authorities said on Sunday, in one of the deadliest attacks in the region in recent weeks.

According to local officials, the shooting took place while people were gathered at the sports ground. Ten victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries later at a hospital. Twelve others sustained gunshot wounds and are undergoing medical treatment.

Gang rivalry suspected behind attack

Authorities suspect that a gang war between rival criminal syndicates may be behind the mass shooting. Security forces have launched a large-scale search operation to track down those responsible, the mayor’s office said in a statement, as reported by AFP.

The incident has heightened fear among residents of Salamanca, a city that has repeatedly witnessed violence linked to organised crime.

Human remains found hours earlier

In a disturbing development, authorities also confirmed that four bags containing human remains were discovered in Salamanca late on Saturday night, just hours before the shooting. Investigators are examining whether the two incidents are connected.

Guanajuato remains most violent state

Guanajuato, a major industrial hub and home to several tourist destinations, continues to be Mexico’s deadliest state due to persistent turf wars between criminal groups, according to official homicide data.

Despite this, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had earlier said that the country’s homicide rate in 2025 had dropped to its lowest level in a decade, crediting her administration’s national security strategy.

Renewed concerns over public safety

The Salamanca attack has renewed concerns over public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in violence-prone regions. Residents and civil society groups have called for stronger security measures to protect public spaces, particularly areas frequented by families and young people.

Investigations into the shooting and the discovery of human remains are ongoing.