DHAKA: At least 43 people were killed during clashes between armed civilians and security forces in western Mexico, a region torn by drug cartel violence in Michoacan of Mexico.

The shootout took place on Friday in the municipality of Tanhuato, in the state of Michoacan, and the death toll was a ‘preliminary figure,’ an official said on condition of anonymity.

Officials said 42 civilians had been killed in the clash in an area where powerful drug gangs have been active for years, reports the Aljazeera.

One of the officials said one policeman had been killed in the clash, while the other said three had died.

Officials also said that the convoy of federal police and soldiers was ambushed.

The area between Michoacan and Jalisco is known as a stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which has mounted several large-scale attacks on federal and state forces in recent weeks.

BDST: 0915 HRS, MAY 23, 2015
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