Zacatecas violence continues, security forces targeted

Zacatecas, Zacatecas -
Brazen attacks by organized crime against security forces in this north central Mexican state show no sign of abating, more than a year after they began.

State Security Police units were ambushed Wednesday by yet unidentified gunmen near a remote hamlet in Villa González Ortega county. Mexico's Gulf Cartel is one group operating in Zacatecas.

An SSP officer was injured, and three assailants were killed.

"These incidents are due to the constant patrols that state forces conduct throughout the state, as they hunt for and confront armed groups who fire on our uniformed officers," said an SSP spokesman.

On Aug. 16 the U.S. State Department included the following in its latest warning for American travelers about Mexican security hazards:

"Zacatecas: Defer non-essential travel to areas of Zacatecas near the border with other Mexican states. Exercise caution in the interior of the state including the city of Zacatecas. Robberies, carjackings, and organized criminal activity remain a concern. Gun battles between criminal groups and authorities have occurred in the area bordering the state of Jalisco. Extreme caution should be taken when traveling in the remainder of the state. U.S. government personnel may not travel outside the city of Zacatecas after dark and must abide by a curfew of 1 a.m. to 6 a.m., within a secured venue."

Dec. 30, 2013 - Mexican army captures Cancún hotel zone executioner: Gulf Cartel boss of the plaza
Sept. 1, 2013 - Narco attacks on security forces continue in Zacatecas
July 11, 2013 - Mexican army kills 13 sicarios in Zacatecas shootout

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