Mexican troops forced to free drug lord's son after shootout

Friday, October 18th, 2019 12:26pm

RASHIDE FRIAS / AFP

Heavy fighting erupted in a Mexican city after security forces detained the son of a powerful drug lord.

The gun battles raged for several hours after Ovidio Guzmán López was found during a routine patrol in the city of Culiacán.

He is the son of Joaquin Guzman, known as "El Chapo", who was sentenced to life in prison in the US, earlier this year.

López was later released, with authorities saying the decision was taken to protect lives.

Suspected members of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel appeared to overpower the security forces during the shootout.

The fighting forced many residents to flee in panic, while others remained locked in their home.

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