[Sportschosun reporter Jang Jong-ho] Ahead of the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Mexico and Canada will co-host, five police officers were killed and five others were injured in a horrific attack by armed assailants in Mexico.
According to South American media outlets, including Infobae, a convoy of police vehicles belonging to the Citizen Guard, the state police force, came under attack by armed men on a road in Michoacán in western Mexico at around 3 p.m. local time on the 10th. The officers were reportedly traveling in three patrol vehicles.
As of now, five officers have been confirmed dead and five others injured.
Local media reported that the gunmen had been hiding in bushes along the road and opened fire suddenly as the police vehicles passed by.
The surprise attack left some officers with no chance to respond.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is being cited as the possible mastermind behind the attack. The Michoacán prosecutor's office recently said it had identified signs that about 60 armed men from Colombia were operating in the region in connection with CJNG.
Michoacán has long been regarded as one of Mexico's most unstable regions, with repeated turf wars between drug cartels and attacks on police officers and public officials.
Authorities have launched a search for the suspects, using both ground and air operations.
The state government said it would provide support to the families of the fallen officers and work closely with the federal government to bring those responsible to justice.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
