Mexico: Security forces kill 14 gunmen following ambush in Calera (Zacatecas state) on October 12 /update 1

Event

Mexican security forces killed 14 gunmen in Calera (Zacatecas state) on Monday, October 12, when they were ambushed while performing a tactical mission in the area. Three police officers were also injured in the firefight and all are stable with life-threatening injuries. Following the gunfight, police confiscated the gunmen's vehicles and found eight assault rifles, including one with a grenade launcher attachment.

Heightened security measures are expected in Zacatecas state over the near term. 

Context

Zacatecas has been the site of escalating cartel violence between the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels and the remnants of Los Zetas cartel. Business owners and government figures are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. 

Advice

Individuals present in Zacatecas, and Mexico more generally, are advised to remain vigilant, refrain from sharing personal information with unknown persons, not post information regarding your location and activities on social media platforms, and vary daily routines to limit the risk of being targeted by potential kidnappers.

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, and Tamaulipas, as well as the northeastern border with the US.