Two Mexican soldiers and five cartel gunmen were killed Friday when a military unit was ambushed in southwest Mexico.
A Mexican military unit “was the target of an attack by approximately 18 armed civilians aboard two vehicles” on Friday, the Mexican military said in a statement, according to a report by Vanguardia.
The shootout erupted in the town of El Pescado, which is located in a mountainous area of the state of Guerrero and has often been the site of clashes between Mexican authorities and cartel members.
Local authorities believe the attack was likely carried out by members of La Familia Michoacana, a once-powerful cartel that has been attempting to regain its influence after the arrest of its leaders.
In addition to the seven people killed, two others suffered gunshot wounds.
Guerrero is one of Mexico’s poorest states, and its residents have endured years of clashes between rival cartel groups and Mexican authorities for control over the region, which has been known for drug trafficking and kidnappings.
Source: Vanguardia