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16 Oct 2019 | 05:31 AM UTC

Mexico: Armed men engage soldiers in Guerrero state October 15

Unidentified group of armed men open fire on soldiers in Tepochica (Guerrero state) on October 15; at least 15 people killed, including one soldier

Warning

Event

An unidentified group of armed men opened fire on members of the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) in the community of Tepochia (Guerrero state) on Tuesday, October 15. According to Sedena officials, the soldiers were attacked as they were responding to reports of gunmen in the area. At least 14 armed civilians and one soldier were killed in the attack. It is unclear if there were any further casualties from the fighting. The soldiers reportedly recovered three stolen vehicles and high-powered weapons following the engagement. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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

Advice

Individuals present in Guerrero state 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