Relatives of a five-year-old girl who was shot to death in an ambush have claimed that she was killed by soldiers who fired at the vehicle she was in.

Heidi Mariana Pеrez was shot to death in the city of Nuevo Laredo, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas on Wednesday night, 31st August, 2022.

The young girl was reportedly feeling “unwell” after which her babysitter took her and her seven-year-old brother to the hospital where their mother worked.

But shortly before arriving, a burst of bullets coming in their direction wounded the babysitter – who at the time was driving the vehicle – in the left shoulder, while five-year-old Heidi died on the spot after being shot in the head.

Now Heidi’s grandmother Adriana Rodriguez shocked media by claiming it was military patrols who fired at the vehicle.

A source from the public prosecutor’s office told media: “There are many versions on networks that it was the army, we are not sure that it was them, but we are investigating it.”

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Committee of Nuevo Laredo – a civil association in the city fighting against human rights violations – filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission on Thursday, 1st September.

The complaint stated: “This attack by military personnel towards the victims would have occurred on November 20 Avenue, between Gonzalez and Doctor Mier streets, when they were supposedly chasing a civilian vehicle and elements of the Mexican Army tried to stop them by firing their firearms.”

The association indicated further that at least three army units – two pick-up trucks and an armoured vehicle – were near the area when the incident occurred.

They added: “It is important to mention that this is not the only time that Mexican Army personnel arbitrarily deprive minors and adults of their lives during acts of persecution or confrontations with armed civilians.

“It is public knowledge that there are around 11 innocent victims documented by this Human Rights Committee from 2015 to date in the city.”

Heidi’s family and friends protested in front of the Macario Zamora military base in Nuevo Laredo on Thursday afternoon, 1st September.

Rodriguez said: “What was the sin they committed, having tinted windows?

“Mr President of the Republic, I want justice for my granddaughter, justice for the girl. You, Mr President, are a father and a grandfather, put yourself in my shoes. I would like to rip out my heart so you can see what I am suffering!”

Mexican authorities have so far not made any official statements regarding the case.