Three die as Colombia cops, gangs battle

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MEDELLIN, Colombia, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Two policemen and a civilian died in a shootout between police and gang members in Colombia's second largest city of Medellin, authorities say.

Police came under fire Sunday while responding to earlier fighting between gangs, Colombia Reports said.

The shooting took place in the southwestern El Salado neighborhood of Comuna 13, one of the city's most violent areas.

At least 80 police officers came to the neighborhood following the reported death of fellow officers.

Four suspected gang members, including two believed to be the leaders of the gangs, were arrested, said Mayor Anibal Gaviria.

Paramilitary groups took over Comuna 13 in 1999. The gangs consider the area strategically important because it connects to a highway to the Caribbean.