MONTERREY, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) — One of Mexico’s biggest cities on Friday woke up to news that several streets, boulevards and highways were blocked by hitmen, in an attempt to hinder Army operations after several shootings and the arrest of a drug lieutenant.

On Thursday, the Mexican presidency announced the arrest of San Pedro Garza Garcia’s Beltran Leyva cartel lieutenant Alberto Mendoza. San Pedro Garza Garcia is a municipality of Monterrey’s metro area.

In response to the arrest, at least two groups blocked two major highways later that afternoon, included one connecting with Monterrey’s International Airport, one of the country’s busiest.

On Friday morning, a shooting between the Army and gunmen was reported outside Monterrey’s Institute of Technology, one of the largest private universities in Latin America. The Army said two hitmen were killed during the gunbattle, and several soldiers were injured in grenade attacks.

Groups trying to hinder Army operations after the Institute of Technology shooting blocked more than 20 streets, highways and boulevards.

Several car chases were also reported between rivals drug gangs, including one in which a suspected gunman was chased down in a Monterrey’s suburban area and was taken in custody of the rival group after he crashed his car into an electricity pole.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Admiral Michael Mullen, will lead a top-level delegation that will visit Mexico City on Tuesday to discuss drug-related violence.