Gunmen ambush police convoy in western Mexico, at least 9 officers killed

Gunmen ambush police convoy in western Mexico, at least 9 officers killed

2010-10-29 21:04:36 GMT+7 (ICT)

GUADALAJARA, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- At least 9 police officers were killed, 2 wounded, and one went missing after a group of gunmen ambushed their vehicles in western Mexico on Thursday, officials said Friday.

The attack was carried out at around 4:45 p.m. local time on a convoy of seven vehicles with 20 state police officers in Jilotlan, Jalisco, located in the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico's second largest city.

Reports indicate that at least 10 large-size vehicles - such as SUVs - with several men carrying AK-47's, AR-15's, and other high-caliber assault rifles surrounded the the convoy on the Jilotlan-Tepalcatepec road. The individuals opened fire, killing 9 police officers as they fought back.

Backup was called, and nearby police officers from Ciudad Guzman, Guadalajara, Tecalitlan, and other municipalities arrived at the scene. The exchange lasted several hours until the gunmen fled to the bordering state of Michoacan.

The two wounded police officers are currently being treated in a local hospital after being air-lifted from the scene. One of them suffered injuries on the head and neck, while the other was hit on a knee. The missing officer was found later in the evening.

According to Mexico's Secretariat of Public Security, the convoy was conducting routine checks in the area following reports of armed groups in the area.

Officials are currently conducting an operation in search of the gunmen, but no information has been gathered.

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