11 suspected drug cartel members killed

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (AP) - Mexico's Defense Department said 11 suspected drug cartel gunmen have been killed in a battle with troops near the border with Texas.

A statement issued Thursday by the department said all the victims dead are thought to have been members of the Zetas drug gang. No soldiers were hurt in the shootout.

The statement said the incident happened Wednesday afternoon when soldiers came under fire as they investigated a tip about the presence of armed men in the town of Nueva Ciudad Guerrero in Tamaulipas state.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Rick Pauza said the gunfire prompted U.S. officials to reinforce security at the Falcon Dam and Roma international crossings.

He said the crossings remained opened, however.