In an eventful week in Latin America, Mexico City residents got to see a "sun halo," a weather phenomenon caused by ice crystals in the upper atmosphere, while in western Mexico at least 43 people died in what authorities described as a three-hour gun battle between federal forces and suspected drug gang gunmen at a ranch.
The quarterfinals of soccer's Copa Libertadores were in full swing with Dairon Mosquera of Colombia's Independiente Santa Fe moving his team a victory in a first-leg game, while Ramiro Funes Mori of Argentina's River Plate struggled against Brazil's Cruzeiro, with River losing the first game.
In Nicaragua, members of LGBT organizations took part in a march marking International Day Against Homophobia.
In El Salvador, Roman Catholic Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero was beatified by the church 35 years after he was cut down by an assassin's bullet while offering Mass.
A deadly flood and mudslide swept through the Colombian town of Salgar before dawn Monday, taking away homes and bridges, killing dozens.
In Peru, mounted riot police clashed with squatters during a land eviction in Lima. Cultural officials said the land was an archaeological site, and at Fishermen's Beach in Lima people exercise during early morning sea therapy sessions.
