Mexican Cartel Leader Reported Killed

(Mexico City) In a battle Sunday afternoon in northern Mexico between government forces and drug cartel gunmen, the principal leader of the Zetas cartel, Heriberto Lazcano (aka 'El Lazca'), was reportedly killed along with an associate.

The navy said it was conducting forensic tests to positively identify the men, but the prospect of having eliminated one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals led to leaks just before the most-watched evening newscast, which reported the possibility that Mr. Lazcano had been killed.

If confirmed, his death would give President Felipe Calderón probably his biggest victory against drug and organized crime groups, two months before he ends his six-year term with a legacy likely marked by his escalation of the battle against gangs and the brutal violence they have wrought.

The U.S. has a $5 million bounty on Lazcano.