In Mexico, at least 18 people have been killed in gun battles between rival gangs in a north-eastern town. The Tamaulipas state government said the fighting took place in the town of Abasolo, but gave no further details. Reports said groups of gunmen in trucks and other vehicles exchanged fire around the town. Tamaulipas has been at the centre of a turf war between the Gulf and Los Zetas cartels which are battling to control lucrative drug smuggling routes.