Gunmen ambush police convoy in southwest Mexico, killing 9

USPA News - Nine police officers were killed on late Tuesday when a group of gunmen attacked a police convoy in Mexico`s southwestern state of Guerrero, local authorities said on Wednesday. It appears to be the latest attack in the country`s deadly drug war.

The attack happened on late Tuesday evening when officers who were traveling in two police vans were carrying out a routine patrol in the community of Tepoxtepec in the southwestern state of Guerrero. It is believed as many as 30 gunmen in several vehicles surrounded the convoy and opened fire, triggering a gunfight that lasted several minutes. Guerrero`s attorney-general`s office said nine state police officers were killed while another officer was seriously injured. "The elements of the State Police were conducting a routine patrol in the municipality when they were surprised by a group of gunmen and a confrontation began," a spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: "Police elements from three levels of government have arrived at the scene to protect the crime scene and begin removing the corpses of the officers." Authorities did not say whether any of the attackers were killed or captured, or which group was responsible. The state of Guerrero has witnessed increased crime rates in recent years. Earlier this week, Guerrero made international headlines after six female Spanish women were raped when a group of hooded gunmen raided their bungalow in the popular beach resort of Acapulco, located in the state`s Pacific coast. It is believed more than 11,000 people were killed in violence blamed on organized crime in 2012, but no official figures have been released so far. The last time the Mexican government released updated figures from the country`s drug war it said 47,515 people were killed between December 2006 and September 2011. Activists believe the actual number has already surpassed 70,000.