Mexican forces kill 10 gunmen near Mexico City

Ten gunmen have been killed in clashes with Mexican security forces in a mountainous region outside the capital, Mexico City.

Officials say the clashes erupted on Tuesday when the suspected criminals opened fire on Mexican troops conducting a routine patrol in the town of Pinal del Marquesado, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of the capital.

“While repelling the shooting, military personnel and state police killed the 10 passengers of the attacking vehicle,” the security agency of central Mexico state said in a statement.

A grenade launcher, five AK-47 and two AR-15 assault rifles, 13 rifle magazines and a number of bullets were seized from the attackers, the statement added.

The gunfight took place near the western state of Michoacan, which has long been plagued by drug gang violence.

At least 70,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence in Mexico since former President Felipe Calderon launched an offensive against drug cartels in the country in December 2006.

Current Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto has vowed to reduce the crime rate as he continues the campaign against the drug cartels.