MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Striking truck drivers blocked key Mexican transport arteries on Thursday, jamming vital highways to protest lawlessness on the roads that has led to a rise in robberies and extortion. Traffic on at least nine highways was affected by the protests, according to local media reports. Rafael Ortiz, leader of transport group Amotac, told local media that more strikes could be called if the government does not meet their demands. Ortiz urged the government to boost security, noting that between one and two truck drivers are killed every month on the roads due to the lack of safety. The road blockades erected by the striking drivers are "unfounded and unjustified," Mexico's government said in a statement on Thursday, adding that Amotac representatives decided to stop negotiations on Wednesday even as progress was being made.

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Persons: Rafael Ortiz, Ortiz, Amotac, Valentine Hilaire, Sandra Maler Organizations: MEXICO CITY, National Guard Locations: MEXICO