HAVANA, Sept. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- Security forces of the Dominican Republic clashed with criminals Tuesday in Azua province, leaving six people dead.

    According to reports reaching here from Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic, two police agents, a journalist and three criminals died and two more policemen were injured in the clash in Barahona, some 121 km from the capital.

    The report quoted police spokesman Simon Diaz as saying the shootout occurred when the criminals resisted arrest by the police. Diaz said the criminials illegally carried weapons and used them to open fire on the patrol.

    Following the gunbattle, businesses and schools in Barahona were closed. And police strengthened patrol. Enditem