Nine people died after a shootout between police and a group of armed individuals in Mexico's Jalisco state plagued by Mexican drug cartels.

Police said the shootout occurred in El Salto, Jalisco at around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Five assailants were killed, while four police officers died on the spot during the exchange of gunfire.

Police in Mexico's Jalisco State Successfully Repels Attack After Reinforcements Arrive

Milenio reported that the police responded to a 911 call that alerted them of a kidnapping at 34 Medellin Street in El Salto. According to authorities, the assailants attacked the home and tried to kidnap two residents, who were immediately blindfolded and handcuffed.

Police said they were able to rescue the two individuals and capture three of the armed men presumed to belong to a criminal group following the shootout.

According to La Razon, when police arrived at the location, the armed men fired at them, with four of the officers going down. The officers then asked for support and later received reinforcements from Prosecutor's Office agents, the Mexican Army, and the State and Metropolitan Police.

After the reinforcements arrived, authorities successfully repelled the attack and secured not only the kidnap victims but they have also cordoned the area off.

Following the armed confrontation, the nine bodies were transferred to the Forensic Medical Service (Semefo). Milenio reported that among the killed assailants was a woman. 

The two kidnapping victims are now in police custody and currently undergoing medical treatment. El Occidental reported that some of the attackers were still able to escape through the roof.

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Shootout the Latest in a Spate of Violence in Mexico's Jalisco State Dominated by the Jalisco Cartel

Jalisco state is home to one of Mexico's most dangerous drug cartels, which is responsible for various murders and kidnappings in the area. 

Authorities have attributed many of the criminal cases in the state to the Jalisco Cartel. Local residents reported that Jalisco Cartel gunmen have abducted and probably killed people they suspect of working for rival gangs.

The Jalisco Cartel is currently led by Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, who has continued to evade authorities. El Mencho is also one of the most wanted men in the United States. The U.S. government has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. 

Local media reported that the Jalisco Cartel had established its main stronghold in Mexico's Jalisco state. The reports added that even El Mencho's close circle lives in the state, from which the Jalisco New Generation Cartel or Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) took its name.

The Jalisco Cartel reportedly had more than 5,000 members and was also allegedly involved in mass graves, acid baths, and video recording beheadings.

READ MORE: Jalisco Cartel Leader 'El Senoron' Who Receives Orders From Boss 'El Mencho' Arrested in Mexico

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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