Google Translate from a variety of Mexican web sources. A hat tip to Nota Roja for additional details.For a map, click here.
A 12 hour armed confrontation in he Mexican state of Veracruz between elements of the Mexican Army and suspected drug cartel members ended Monday with a total of six suspected gang members, one civilian and one soldier dead, say Mexican press reports.
A detachment of the Mexican 19th Military Zone manning a checkpoint was fired on by ten armed suspects using rifles and hand grenades. The suspects attempted to run the checkpoint riding aboard an SUV at about 2150 hrs Sunday near the municipality of Panuco. Soldiers returned fire and then began pursuit exchanging the suspects for about 20 minutes.
The armed group was apparently part of a larger convoy of suspects riding in about six vehicles.
The chase ended at a residence in Alto de Viñas where the suspects took refuge. The Mexican Army searched then located the hideout, then cordoned off the area. Apparently gunfire damaged a number of power transformers placing the area in darkness. The gun battle lasted several hours until Monday morning.
Five Mexican soldiers total were wounded in the firefight.