Fifteen killed around Mexico in a day

Fifteen people were shot dead or found dead on 26 September in different parts of Mexico, in apparent acts of violence likely and mostly related to cartels. These included: two employees of the national oil company Pemex shot dead at a refinery in Salamanca, north-west of Mexico City, three men and a woman whose bones or remains were found in a mine shaft in the district of El Oro in the north-western state of Durango, and a man and woman killed in a shootout between police and criminals in Tlanepantla, Estado de México, Proceso reported on 26 September. On the night of 26-27 September, the northern city of Piedras Negras became the setting of dispersed gun battles between Mexican security forces and "armed civilians" or suspected criminals, though it was not immediately clear how many died, Proceso reported on 27 September. At least 131 inmates broke out of the Piedras Negras prison on 17 September, though it was not immediately clear if these were involved in the shootouts. Messages written on sheets left hanging around Piedras Negras that morning warned residents there would be clashes later that day and they should "take precautions." Eight of the escaped convicts were caught by 26 September and one was killed on 25 September, CNNMéxico and Univision reported.