At least 13 killed in gunfight near U.S.-Mexico border

At least 13 killed in gunfight near U.S.-Mexico border

2011-05-10 05:24:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- At least 12 suspected members from Mexico's criminal organization 'Los Zetas' were killed during a shootout with troops from Mexico's National Defense and Marines, which suffered the loss of one of its soldiers, on a small island near the U.S.-Mexico border, officials said Monday.

The violent confrontation occurred Sunday afternoon on a small islet located in Falcon Lake in the northern state of Tamaulipas, after troops patrolling the area located a Zetas camp, which according to initial investigations, was reportedly used to store marijuana before shipping it by boat to the U.S.

The lake is located less than 2 miles from the small town of Nueva Ciudad Guerrero, Tamaulipas, which borders Falcon Heights, Texas, some 45 miles northwest of McAllen, Texas.

Upon being spotted, members of Los Zetas opened fire immediately. Mexican Marine troops responded and called for backup, eventually killing 12 suspected members of the criminal group. During the shootout, a Mexican soldier was also fatally shot.

Following the confrontation, troops seized 19 assault rifles, a 50 caliber Barret rifle, a 5.56 millimeter machine gun, in addition to magazines, ammunition, bullet-proof vests, camping equipment, and other items.

Officials are currently carrying out further investigative operations.

In late September 2010, an American couple was ambushed and shot at while riding a jet-ski on Falcon Lake near Zapata, Texas. Tiffany Hartley was able to escape and search for help on the U.S. side, but her husband was killed after receiving a gunshot to the head. His body has not been found since.

According to Hartley's statement, the couple was trying to get a closer look at an old church when they inadvertently crossed onto the Mexican side.

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