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10 Suspected Zetas killed in clash with Mexican security forces


    Veracruz, Mexico, Mar 28 (EFE).- Ten reputed members of the Los Zetas drug cartel died in clashes with federal and state security forces in the Mexican Gulf coast state of Veracruz, authorities said.

    The shootouts occurred Thursday afternoon in Perote, a town 250 kilometers (150 miles) east of Mexico City where army soldiers and state police officers battled a band of kidnappers suspected of belonging to the notoriously violent drug mob.

    The soldiers and police had been monitoring the kidnapping ring, considered one of the most dangerous in Veracruz's mountainous central region, the authorities said.

    Ten suspected criminals (nine men and a woman) were killed, while a state police officer was wounded when a bullet grazed his shoulder.

    Security forces also confiscated two vehicles, 10 rifles, tactical gear and fake police uniforms, the officials said.