Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

17 Dead in Acapulco Shootout

Violence further damages resort's tourism industry

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 7, 2009 12:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – A fierce, 2-hour gun battle between drug agents and Mexican authorities in Acapulco has left 15 gunmen and 2 soldiers dead, the BBC reports. After receiving a tip, troops ambushed a house in the resort town last night, as gunmen hurled grenades and crashed their cars trying to flee. Upon entering the house, soldiers found four police officers held hostage.

Troops also seized 36 rifles, 13 shotguns, two hand grenades, 3,525 cartridges, 180 magazines, and eight vehicles. Tourists were evacuated from several nearby hotels, and the violence couldn’t come at a worse time for Acapulco, which has seen its lucrative tourism industry collapse after the outbreak of swine flu.

Seized weapons sits on the floor of a home after a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, early Sunday, June 7, 2009.
Seized weapons sits on the floor of a home after a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, early Sunday, June 7, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Soldiers hold a position during a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Soldiers hold a position during a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Four men, who apparently claimed to be police officials held hostage, lie handcuffed on the floor of a home after a gunfight in Acapulco.
Four men, who apparently claimed to be police officials held hostage, lie handcuffed on the floor of a home after a gunfight in Acapulco.   (AP Photo)
Police officials hold a position during a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Police officials hold a position during a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Soldiers hold a position during a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Soldiers hold a position during a gunfight in Acapulco, Mexico, Saturday, June 6, 2009.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
northeast
Jun 9, 2009 1:07 AM CDT
Do you actually mean that? Then....why are you on Newser?
kokuaguy
Jun 8, 2009 12:22 PM CDT
Maybe business will pick-up here in the 50th State. The beaches have been unusually empty lately. Thank heaven for the military spending and our two Democrat senior Senators !!!
Silverbow7
Jun 8, 2009 2:43 AM CDT
Why are they lined up like that makes it look like they were executed.

More Newser Stories

Drug Gunmen Attack Mexican Police Bases

Mexico Tallies 69 Murders in Single Day

Violence Plummets as Mexican Army Polices Juárez

White House Adds Troops to Mexico Border Drug Fight

US Agents to Aid Mexican Cartel War


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne