Fifteen gunmen and one soldier were killed during a gun battle in Acapulco's tourist zone early Sunday, the Mexican military said.

The two-hour shootout began after military forces arrived at a house in the popular tourist area to investigate a tip that armed men were inside.

An army colonel at the scene told The Associated Press that gunmen opened fire with assault riles and threw about 50 grenades at soldiers.

The colonel wore a ski mask to protect his identity as he led reporters on a tour of the scene Sunday. He declined to identify himself and shielded his face for security reasons.

Three soldiers and three bystanders were also wounded during the shootout and several tourists were told to leave their hotel rooms.

Four Guerrero state police officers were found handcuffed inside the garage of the house. The colonel said gunmen had been holding them hostage.

With files from The Associated Press