Nuevo Laredo, Mexico (AP) Authorities say 12 people have been killed in running gun battles between soldiers and suspected drug-cartel gunmen in the northern Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo.

The federal Interior Department says in a statement that the dead include nine suspects, two civilians and one soldier.

Twenty-one people - including three children caught in the crossfire - were wounded in the gunfights Friday in which hit men blocked streets with hijacked vehicles.

Seven people are listed in serious condition.

The shootouts prompted the U.S. Consulate to warn American citizens in the city to remain indoors.