In brief: Fatal shootout erupts in city

MONTERREY, Mexico – A shootout in the northern city of Monterrey killed two suspected drug cartel gunmen and wounded a soldier Friday. Suspected gang members also blocked roads in the city for the second day, in a bold attempt to impede security patrols.

Gunmen opened fire on an army patrol outside the gates of a private university in Monterrey, Mexico’s third-largest city, the army said.

Soldiers seized guns, ammunition and hand grenades at the scene.

Earthquake toll declines to 452

SANTIAGO, Chile – Chile is lowering the confirmed death toll from its February earthquake to 452 victims.

Interior Minister Rodrigo Hinzpeter says 96 people are still missing. The previous estimated death toll was 497.

The government on Friday announced school repairs and other reconstruction efforts that are the focus of an initial $112 million in aid.

The 8.8-magnitude quake and tsunami on Feb. 27 caused an estimated $30 billion in damages.

Yemen war over, president says

CAIRO, Egypt – Yemen’s president on Friday declared the country’s six-year war with northern rebels over, saying the Shiite militants are living up to a cease-fire agreement signed last month.

In an interview with Al-Arabiya television, Ali Abdullah Saleh said rebels have given “positive signs” that they are committed to the cease-fire struck in February.