The Americas

Police: Few teachers involved in deadly Mexico clashes

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Riot police battle with protesting teachers who were blocking a federal highway in the state of Oaxaca, near the town of Nochixtlan, Mexico, Sunday, June 19, 2016. The teachers are protesting against plans to overhaul the country's education system which include federally mandated teacher evaluations.(AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz Hernandez) (The Associated Press)

A federal police helicopter flies overhead as protesting teachers who were blocking a federal highway maintain their positions in the state of Oaxaca, near the town of Nochixtlan, Mexico, Sunday, June 19, 2016. The teachers are protesting against plans to overhaul the country's education system which include federally mandated teacher evaluations. At least 4 protesters have been confirmed killed. (AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz Hernandez) (The Associated Press)

Protesting teachers who were blocking a federal highway hold their positions with a burning tires and debris across the road as they battle all day with riot police in the state of Oaxaca, near the town of Nochixtlan, Mexico, Sunday, June 19, 2016. The teachers are protesting against plans to overhaul the country's education system which include federally mandated teacher evaluations.(AP Photo/Luis Alberto Cruz Hernandez) (The Associated Press)

Mexican police say few teachers were involved in violence at a weekend highway protest in the southern state of Oaxaca in which six people died.

Federal Police Chief Enrique Galindo blames Sunday's violence on other, unspecified "radical groups."

Galindo says the confrontation between protesting teachers and state and federal police in Nochixtlan changed radically when the other groups arrived.

He said on Radio Formula that protesters regrouped with gasoline bombs and powerful fireworks. Galindo ordered armed police to move in after they confirmed gunshots.

About 100 to 150 protesters maintained the highway blockade in Nochixtlan on Monday. No police were present. Protesters were allowing people to pass but blocking commercial traffic.