Mexico: Gunmen ambush police officers in Michoacán state October 14

Event

A convoy of Michoacán state police officers were ambushed while traveling near the community of El Aguaje on Monday, October 14. According to media reports, the attack began at approximately 08:00, with gunmen opening fire from several trucks. State officials have confirmed that 14 officers were killed and another three wounded in the shooting. The governor of Michoacán, Silvano Aureoles, called an emergency meeting following the incident and the federal government has offered assistance in responding to the attack. Initial reports indicate that the ambush was conducted by members of the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG); however, an investigation is ongoing.

A heightened security presence is anticipated in the region over the coming days, as well as an increase in police operations targeting suspected cartel members. Similar attacks targeting security forces are also possible in the near term.

Advice

Individuals present in Michoacán state, particularly El Aguaje, are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Due to extreme levels of violence linked to the presence of various armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to various parts of the country, notably the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Colima, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.