Gunmen kill four at mall in Mexico's drug plagued north

Gunmen kill four at mall in Mexico's drug plagued north

2010-10-30 08:12:04 GMT+7 (ICT)

CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- Four men were shot and killed by unknown gunmen on Friday outside and inside a restaurant at a popular mall in Chihuahua, a state in Mexico's drug plagued north.

Local police officials said the attack took place at around noon local time at a well-known mall, called "Plaza las Palmas", in the Periferico de la Juventud area, one of the most secured zones in Chihuahua city.

Initial reports indicate that six men arrived at the mall while carrying high-caliber weapons. They approached the restaurant and opened fire on two individuals. Then, the group of gunmen entered the restaurant and killed two more men.

The identities of the victims were not disclosed and personnel with the Forensic Medical Service (SEMEFO) were rushed to the scene to investigate and pick up the bodies. Law enforcement agents gathered evidence at the scene to begin an investigation.

Friday's shooting is the latest in a series of similar attacks, claiming dozens of lives. On Thursday, nine police officers were killed and two more were injured when a group of gunmen ambushed their vehicles in western Mexico.

And earlier on Thursday, five women were killed and 14 more were injured when gunmen attack three buses carrying workers in Ciudad Juarez, in northern Mexico.

Some 25,000 people have died in drug-related violence after a military campaign against drug cartels was launched by President Felipe Calderon at the end of 2006.

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