Mexican priest killed in crossfire as troops battle drug gangs

July 04, 2011

A Catholic priest was killed on July 2 when he was caught in a crossfire during a massive gun battle between Mexican troops and competing drug-trafficking gangs.

Father Marco Antonio Duran Romero died of a bullet wound in the chest. He was struck by a stray bullet as members of the Zetas gang fought with police in Matamoros. The gun battle, which waged across Matamoros for several hours, began with Zetas members confronted rivals of the Gulf Cartel. The arrival of government forces escalated the battle.

 

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Further information:

• Priest killed in crossfire during fight in Matamoros (Brownsville Herald)
• Brownsville bishop expresses sorrow after priest killed in Matamoros crossfire (Monitor)