Mexico: Six police officers killed in Jalisco state December 3

Event

On Monday, December 3, unidentified gunmen attacked and killed six police officers in La Huerta (Jalisco state). One other police officer was wounded in the incident. According to reports, the assailants were likely members of a drug cartel, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group particularly active in the area. A heightened security presence is anticipated in La Huerta in the near term. Further such attacks cannot be ruled out.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented drug cartels are on the rise in much of the country and violence in parts of Mexico is spiraling out of control as cartels adopt increasingly militarized tactics. Business owners, journalists, politicians and candidates, and social leaders are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. 2017 was the most violent year on record based on violent crime indicators.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant for criminal activity and report all suspicious objects and behavior to the authorities. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye.