At least 11 police officers were killed Monday in an armed attack in a region of southern Mexico hit by drug trafficking-related violence, according to the regional prosecutor’s office.
Unidentified attackers targeted a security patrol in Coyuca de Benitez (southwestern Guerrero state) during a trip by local security minister Alejandro of Guerrero state, Hernandez said.
According to “preliminary information,” he continued, “eleven members of the city police who were attacked died.” An investigation has been launched to determine the motives of the attackers.
The local security minister was identified by the local press as Alfredo Alonso Lopez. The latter and another local official were also killed in the attack, according to the same source.
“We were not aware of any threats against officials,” said Mr. Hernandez of Coyuca de Benitez.
The deputy prosecutor did not provide any details about the circumstances of the attack, but the local press reported that it was an ambush.
Images circulating on social media show several people in uniform lying face down on the ground, their hands tied and seemingly lifeless.