Five Mexican police officers were shot dead and five others injured in Michoacan state on Wednesday, local authorities said. The attack came on the eve of the World Cup opener in Mexico City.
Authorities said unknown gunmen ambushed the officers in an Indigenous area of the western state, which remains heavily affected by cartel violence, reports AFP.
Officials reported that the officers were travelling in a pickup truck when attackers opened fire. Images obtained by AFP showed the vehicle riddled with bullet holes.
The attack took place in Nahuatzen municipality, a region inhabited by the Purepecha community. The powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, operates in the area.
In May, suspected CJNG members killed a small-town mayor. The incident triggered protests, with residents accusing authorities of failing to contain rising violence.
Michoacan’s capital Morelia lies around 300 kilometres from Mexico City and the World Cup host city Guadalajara.
The state security department said operations are underway to track down those responsible for the latest attack.
Despite the violence, Mexico’s government has insisted there is no security threat for World Cup visitors.
Mexico is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and the United States.
