Mexican soliders killed 22 armed men during a shootout in central Mexico on Monday, according to the Defense Department. One soldier was also injured during the gun battle.

The incident happens on the heels of reports increased cartel and drug activity in the area, in which Mexico's government has sent more troops in response as part of the military war on drugs.

According to a statement from the Defense Department, soldiers patrolling the town of Tlataya when they came across a warehouse that was being guarded by armed men, who opened fire on the soldiers.

A shootout ensued, during which 21 men and one woman were killed. A number of women who were kidnapped by the group were rescued by the soldiers during the battle, and a large number of weapons and ammunition, as well as grenades, were seized.

Although authorities did not identify the deceased as members of organized crime, Mexican newspaper Reforma quoted anonymous sources in the military, who said the group was members of the criminal organization La Familia.  

The town of Tlataya in the mountains of Guerrero has seen an increase of cartel-related killings in recent months, and the federal government has increased police and military presence in response. 

The area is also known as prime for marijuana growth, and has become known as an area with heavy growth operations.