Gunmen opened fire inside a bar in central Mexico on Saturday. The attack happened at La Resaka bar in Tula, a city about 60 miles, or 97 kilometres, north of Mexico City. The bar sits in a working-class neighbourhood.

Four people died at the scene. Three others died later while receiving medical treatment. In addition, five people suffered serious injuries in the shooting, according to police.

Witnesses said armed men suddenly entered the bar and started shooting. Panic spread as people tried to escape. The attackers quickly fled the scene.

Soon after the incident, federal and state security forces launched a joint operation in the area. However, authorities have not yet arrested any suspects.

Rival Gangs Increase Tensions in Hidalgo State

Tula is located in Hidalgo state, a region known for illegal fuel trafficking. Gangs that steal and sell fuel operate in the area. Even so, mass shootings do not happen often in this state.

Before the attack, the Hidalgo State Security Bureau noticed rising tensions between rival criminal groups in Tula. According to officials, fights between opposing gangs had been increasing.

Local media also reported that the recent arrest of a suspected local gang leader made the situation worse. This arrest may have triggered retaliation and fueled more violence in the area.

Mexico’s Long Struggle With Organized Crime

Mexico continues to battle criminal violence linked mostly to drug trafficking and organized crime. Since the government started its crackdown on cartels in 2006, violence has claimed around 480,000 lives.

At the same time, more than 120,000 people are still missing across the country. These numbers show the deep and ongoing impact of criminal activity on Mexican communities.

This latest attack in Tula highlights how ordinary places, such as a neighbourhood bar, can turn into scenes of deadly violence within minutes.