Deadly ambush: Gang members killed at least 13 police officers

At least 13 police officers were killed during an attack in the city of Coyuca de Benítez in the Mexican state of Guerrero. In this region, gangs are waging a brutal war for control over the drug trade market. The city is located west of the popular resort of Acapulco.

"The New York Times" reports that in Coyuca de Benítez, 13 officers were killed on Monday, including the local security secretary Alfredo Alonso López and the local police chief, Honorio Salinas Garay. The local prosecutor's office is investigating the brutal murders. Government sources report that the murdered police officers were dispatched to investigate reports of alleged explosions in the area.

In the issued statement, officials have declared an increase in security in this area. Reuters reports that members of the Mexican navy and National Guard are to be dispatched to the location.

The area of Coyuca de Benitez is "infamous" for its organized crime. Guerrero is currently the second most dangerous state in Mexico. Just this year, already 34 law enforcement officers have been killed there. Meanwhile, over 340 police officers were killed throughout Mexico in 2023, and 400 officers were assassinated in 2022 according to "The New York Times", citing data from the Mexican organization tracking police murders, Common Cause. Therefore, soldiers are being deployed to aid the local police, who are to maintain security in various parts of the state.