MEXICO CITY — A group of armed assailants targeted a police patrol in northern Mexico, resulting in the tragic deaths of four officers and injuries to four others, as reported by local authorities on Tuesday.

The incident unfolded on Monday in the north-central region of Guanajuato, known for having the highest homicide rate in the country. This area has been a hotspot for violent confrontations between competing drug cartels, making it one of the most hazardous states for law enforcement personnel in Mexico.

According to state prosecutors, the shooting occurred in the town of Uriangato, which is located near the border with Michoacán. Among those who lost their lives was one female officer, highlighting the dire consequences faced by first responders in this dangerous environment.

Guanajuato, an area characterized by its industrial and agricultural significance, has been embroiled in an ongoing feud primarily between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and a local group known as the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel. The violence stemming from these rivalries has persisted for several years, contributing to the alarming situation for local law enforcement.