Mexican soldiers kill 5 attackers in gunbattle and detain police in northern town

Mexican army kills 5 attackers in northern town

MONTERREY, Mexico — Mexican soldiers killed five men in a shootout with assailants near the northern city of Monterrey and detained six police officers on suspicion of helping the attackers, the military said Sunday.

The Defense Department said the soldiers came under fire from gunmen in the township of Juarez on Saturday.

Its statement also alleged that police tried to interfere with troops army during the confrontation. Six officers were detained on suspicion of being involved in the attack and were turned over to civilian authorities.

Drug cartels are known to operate in the area, and many members of local police forces are suspected of aiding the gangs.

Suspected cartel members again blocked roads with hijacked vehicles in Monterrey on Saturday, state police reported. At least three streets were briefly affected. The gangs use such roadblocks to make it easier for them to escape or carry out attacks.

In the Pacific coast state of Guerrero, a drive-by shooting killed the local leader of the tiny Labor Party outside his home Sunday, state police reported. Former legislator Rey Hernandez Garcia was hit by seven gunshots.

Police did not offer any information on a possible motive in the attack.