Shootout in southern Mexico leaves 15 dead

MEXICO CITY — Fifteen people were killed during a shootout Tuesday in southern Mexico. According to the Mexican government, the deadly shots were fired while the military repelled aggressions.

One soldier and 14 alleged criminals died during a shootout on a highway in Guerrero, the state known for the iconic city of Acapulco but also for rising crime in recent years.

The Mexican government said an army convoy patrolling the area was attacked by organized criminals. Authorities confiscated 19 fire weapons from the crime scene.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said the shootout is the result of a violence problem that grew under previous administrations.

The president called on criminals to stop using weapons and said his government has made significant progress bringing safety to Mexico.

This story is from the Fronteras Desk, a collaboration of Southwestern public radio stations, including NPR 89.1. Read more from the Fronteras Desk.