Criminal groups faced off in a mountainous region of Guerrero state on Thursday morning.

The area has become a battleground in recent years as cartels seek to expand their territory.

Local police were also caught up in the attack, with two officers killed and four injured, Mexico's defence ministry said.

The remaining 14 dead were presumed members of criminal groups and 11 people were arrested.

The National Guard also responded and three military officers were wounded, the defence ministry added.

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It comes as the US has been pushing Mexico to step up its efforts to tackle drug trafficking, while Mexico has pressured Washington to do more to prevent the flow of guns to criminal groups across the border.