At least 53 killed by Mexican drug gangs

Gunmen have attacked a casino in northern Mexico, setting it on fire and killing at least 53 people trapped inside, euronews reports. The attack in Monterrey is one of the worst in a major Mexican city in recent years. At least 53 killed by Mexican drug gangs A survivor said the armed gang burst into the Casino Royale in the afternoon, threatening gamblers before spraying petrol on the carpets and setting the building ablaze. Relatives of the missing – most of the victims were said to be women – came to seek information. Rescue teams have warned the death toll could rise. Monterrey, which lies 230 kilometers from the border with Texas, was for years seen as a model of economic development. But warring drugs gangs have brought fear and chaos as they fight for control of the lucrative casinos and other businesses, threatening attacks if owners refuse to pay. President Felipe Calderon called the attack a “barbaric act of terror” and vowed to continue fighting organized crime. But security consultant Alberto Islas said in reality a lack of investigation allowed the criminals to carry out their violence with impunity. “At the end of the day, they know nothing will be done about it,” he said. (Beta/AP)

At least 53 killed by Mexican drug gangs

A survivor said the armed gang burst into the Casino Royale in the afternoon, threatening gamblers before spraying petrol on the carpets and setting the building ablaze.

Relatives of the missing – most of the victims were said to be women – came to seek information. Rescue teams have warned the death toll could rise.

Monterrey, which lies 230 kilometers from the border with Texas, was for years seen as a model of economic development.

But warring drugs gangs have brought fear and chaos as they fight for control of the lucrative casinos and other businesses, threatening attacks if owners refuse to pay.

President Felipe Calderon called the attack a “barbaric act of terror” and vowed to continue fighting organized crime.

But security consultant Alberto Islas said in reality a lack of investigation allowed the criminals to carry out their violence with impunity.

“At the end of the day, they know nothing will be done about it,” he said.