16 dead after shooting in southern Mexico

16 dead after shooting in southern Mexico

2011-01-15 12:06:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

VERACRUZ, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- At least 16 people on Thursday night were killed after a shooting between gang members and military personnel, the National Defense Secretary (SEDENA) reported.

Authorities said that following a citizen's tip, military men were deployed to a location in Jalapa, in Veracruz State. As the soldiers arrived to the Lomas de Casa neighborhood, they were shot by members of the criminal group.

Soldiers fired back and 14 criminals died along 2 military service men. In addition, five assault rifles, three pistols, four grenades, 3 anti-bullet vests, various ammunition clips and two stolen vehicles were seized.

The criminals were alleged members of a drug trafficking ring operating in Jalapa, the capital city of Veracruz. The fire exchange lasted over five hours until it finally ended at about 2:00 a.m. local time on Friday.

The building in which the criminals were hiring is reportedly a safety house used by the drug trafficking ring. Citizens filed a claim with authorities which prompted an investigation and ultimately Thursday's operation.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Friday expressed his condolences to the relatives of the soldiers killed and congratulated the efforts by the Army of fighting drug trafficking.

The gun battle caused hysteria on the Jalapa residents as the city is not known for violent drug gangs. However, Veracruz is located on the Gulf of Mexico coast, which directly connects the area with the drug-plagued north of the country.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-01-15