9 October 2012 Last updated at 05:06 GMT
Los Zetas drug lord Heriberto Lazcano 'may be dead'
Heriberto Lazcano is one of the founders of Los Zetas
Top Los Zetas drug cartel leader Heriberto Lazcano has apparently been killed in a shootout in northern Mexico, the country's navy says.
The navy said it was still awaiting final forensic results, but that the body appeared to be "El Lazca".
Lazcano, alias "The Executioner", is a founder of the notorious cartel which has been implicated in a string of mass killings and kidnappings.
His death would be a victory in the fight against cartels, say analysts.
Two alleged gang members were killed in a gun battle with the navy on Sunday in Coahuila state, and there was "strong evidence" one of the bodies was Lazcano, the navy added.
"Information was obtained after the first forensics tests were carried out that yielded indications that suggest that one of the bodies is Heriberto Lazcano," the Associated Press quoted the navy's statement as saying.
"The Navy Department is co-ordinating efforts with Coahuila state, and will be awaiting the conclusions of the forensics examination in the case," the statement said.
News of the reported killing comes a day after police announced the arrest of Ivan Velazquez Caballero, known as El Taliban, a top Zetas commander.
Infamous for mass killings and use of extreme violence, the Zetas control whole swathes of north-eastern Mexico.
Police believe a recent surge in mass killings was due to a split within the cartel.
Lazcano is thought to be the leader of one faction, while the other is led by Miguel Angel Trevino.
