Two policemen, one woman dead after federal forces clashes with gunmen in western Mexico

Two policemen, one woman dead after federal forces clashes with gunmen in western Mexico

2010-10-05 04:18:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) – Two policemen and a woman were killed on late Sunday after federal forces engaged in a gunfight with suspected drug cartel gunmen in western Mexico, authorities said.

In addition fifteen law enforcement agents were injured in the attack in Michoacan state. Federal police forces were patrolling the area near Apatzingan when they noticed a group of armed men traveling in various vehicles.

The law agents tried to stop the convoy but instead gunmen opened fire on the officers, killing two and injuring 15. One civilian woman was killed also as she was caught in the middle of the gunfire while attending a volley ball match.

The gunmen, allegedly on the service of a local drug cartel, fired approximately 550 bullets and several grenades; five police vehicles were destroyed.

Several vans were also abandoned by the gunmen in the area. The injured police officers were transported by helicopters to the state capital of Morelia, and to Mexico City to be treated.

The municipality of Apatzingan is near of many of the Michoacan ports that are used to mobilize narcotics.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-05