Mexico City: Assailants gunned down at least 13 local police officers in southern southernMexico’s Guerrero state on Monday, a state government source told Reuters,inthe latestbrazenattackina region where gangs have been vying for control over drug trading.
Among thedeadis thelocalsecurity chief for the town of Coyuca de Benitez, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The town is located to the west of the popular beach resort of Acapulco.
Ina statement later on Monday, state officials said securityinthe area would be reinforced, including by the navy and National Guard agents, but did not say how manypolicehad been killed.
The Coyuca de Benitez area is known for the presence of organised crime.
Prior to theambush, the agents were sent to respond to a report of alleged firearm detonationsinthe area, the source said.
Violence has spikedinGuerrero over the past decade as a growing number of criminal gangs battle for control of the lucrative opium poppy trade, as well as for other smuggling routes.
During the first nine months of this year, nearly 1,100 people have been murderedinthe state, up by nearly a quarter compared to the previous year, according to official data.
(Published 23 October 2023, 23:29 IST)