- Title: MEXICO: One man killed and another injured in drug shootout
- Date: 18th February 2011
- Summary: ZITACUARO, MICHOACAN, MEXICO (FEBRUARY 16, 2011) (REUTERS) **CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY** AMBULANCE NEXT TO PETROL STATION SMASHED WINDOWS WITH BULLET HOLES PETROL STATION VARIOUS OF ARMY VEHICLES / SOLDIERS SOLDIER STANDING BEHIND RIFLE IN VEHICLE VEHICLE FROM MORGUE BEING DRIVEN AWAY VARIOUS OF ARRESTED SUSPECTED HITMAN BEING PRESENTED TO MEDIA VARIOUS OF CONFIS
- Embargoed: 5th March 2011 03:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Mexico, Mexico
- Country: Mexico
- Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement
- Reuters ID: LVA5N8OVN6MMA611SVONZUMW8AWC
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3
- Story Text: Mexican soldiers killed one suspected drug gunmen and injured another during a vicious firefight at noon on Wednesday (February 16) in the western state of Michoacan.
The gun battle took place at a safe house in the city of Zitacuaro after soldiers investigated suspicious activity and touched off the firefight. During the shootout, alleged drug traffickers escaped by running along the rooftops of neighbouring homes.
Troops arrested two men and seized weapons - including a gun with the nickname "Morza" inscribed on it - as well as four vehicles after the firefight.
Following the shootout alleged drug hitmen set fire to a near-by petrol station in reprisal for the arrest of their colleagues and blocked a main highway to prevent troops and police from reaching the scene of the shootout.
Local media have speculated troops were looking for an alleged leader of La Familia Michoacana drug gang, known as "La Morza," who is believed to control the city of Zitacuaro for the drug gang.
During six hours, residents were unable to reach their homes and many businesses closed early.
Michoacan, the home state of President Felipe Calderon, has emerged as a key battleground as the cult-like La Familia cartel fights other gangs and security forces for control of the mountainous state.
More than 34,000 people, mainly traffickers and police, have been killed in drug violence in Mexico since Calderon launched his army-led and U.S.-backed crackdown on traffickers after taking office in December 2006. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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