Mexico: Three police officers and one soldier killed in Michoacán December 13

Event

On Thursday, December 13, unidentified gunmen attacked and killed three police officers and one soldier on the road between Morelia and Pátzcuaro (Michoacán state). Two other police officers were wounded in the incident. According to reports, the assailants were likely members of a drug cartel. A heightened security presence is anticipated in the area 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.