GUADALAJARA, Mexico – A Mexican drug cartel set fire to dozens of vehicles which they used to block highways throughout the western state of Jalisco over the weekend after at least six members died in a shootout with federal police.
Spanish news agency EFE reported today that three federal police officers were injured in the gun battle with members of the Jalisco New Generation cartel on Saturday.
Nemesio Oseguera, the suspected leader of the gang, was arrested in the operation, Excelsior reported.
Reuters reported that seven roadblocks were set up in Guadalajara and 15 others were constructed in other parts of the state. There were reports of five roadblocks in the neighboring state of Colima.
Overnight another five roads were reported blocked in Jalisco.
El Universal reported that a 22-year-old man was killed during the violence on Saturday, apparently after gunmen opened fire on motorists who refused to surrender their vehicles.
The state public security ministry said the roadblocks, or narco-blockades, were in response to the arrest of Oseguera and the deaths of the drug gang members, Excelsior said.
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