Mexico regional security chief, sent to combat crime, shot dead

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- A regional security chief sent to stop a wave of violence in Mexico's northeastern Tamaulipas state was murdered along with his wife in neighboring Nuevo Leon state.

Ricardo Nino Villarreal, a former general, and his wife were driving between Monterrey and Nuevo Laredo when they were ambushed by unidentified assailants who fired more than 100 shots.

Tamaulipas state has been the site of clashes between the rival Zetas and Gulf drug cartels.

In May, the Mexican army took over security in the state in an attempt to restore order. That same month, Tamaulipas' chief of intelligence, Col. Salvador Haro Munoz and his two bodyguards were shot dead.