Mexico suspects El Chapo's sons of masterminding deadly ambush

The sons of imprisoned Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman are thought to be behind yesterday's deadly ambush on a military convoy in Mexico that left five soldiers dead.

Officials say the assault, which took place in the northern state of Sinaloa, involved up to 60 gunmen, armed with grenades and assault rifles. The gunmen set upon vehicles escorting a Red Cross ambulance, beating the soldiers and freeing a wounded drugs suspect who was being transported to hospital.

At least 10 people were also injured in the attack.

Sinaloa is the stronghold of the drugs gang formerly headed by Joaquin Guzman. Nicknamed "El Chapo", who was recaptured in January.

Mexican officials believe the ambush may have been organised by his sons, who are believed to have taken over the running of the cartel.

Officials say the suspect freed by the gunman has been identified as Julio Oscar Ortiz Vega, also known as "El Kevin".

They say the sons of Guzman may have been involved in other violent episodes in recent weeks.

Officials say Guzman's brother, Aureliano Guzman Loera, also known as "El Guano", is struggling for control of drug production against the Beltran Leyva drug cartel in the remote area. Guzman was arrested in January after six months on the run following his escape through a tunnel in his jail cell.

He had already escaped a maximum security facility once before, spending 13 years on the run. A Mexican judge will be deciding whether or not to have Guzman extradited to the US.