MEXICO CITY, May 2 — A Mexican military helicopter was shot down by cartel members in Jalisco state, killing three soldiers on board and injuring 12 others.

The Mexican military helicopter with 18 security personnel, including 11 soldiers, two federal police officers and five crew members on board was taking part in an anti-cartel operation, Univision reported.

The helicopter spotted carloads of cartel members on a road between the towns of Casimiro Castillo and Villa Purificacion, according to the BBC.

The cartel members opened fire at the helicopter, striking its tail rotor, forcing it to make an emergency landing, Univision reported. Three security personnel were still unaccounted for after the attack, according to Reuters.

It was believed that the Jalisco New Generation Gang, one of the most powerful drug cartel in Mexico was behind the attack, Reuters reported. — Reuters

Soldiers stand guard atop vehicles along a road where Juarez Cartel leader, Jesus Aguayo, was detained in the northern state of Chihuahua April 17, 2015. Cartel members shot down a Mexican military helicopter. — Reuters pic