At some point during the three-hour raid, the attackers pulled down and burned the consulate's American flag.

Although the 1300 defenders put up a stiff defense, the 30,000 attackers largely burned the castle down around them.

The attackers had burned the castle, in addition to their other bloody work.

According to four residents interviewed separately, the attackers burned several houses and kidnapped at least seven residents.

A number of local Maya men and women had also been hanged, although not decapitated, and the attackers had burned the town.

At least 22 others were injured after attackers raided and burned the village of Duk Padiet, he added.

Other times, attackers have burnt the homes, churches, and even children of Christian believers.

The attackers also burned a number of vehicles and set fire to a police car in which four officers were sitting, the spokeswoman said.

Some attackers burned tents of a group of students demanding more information about Chávez's health, though no one was injured.

It said the attackers, who came from neighboring communities, burned down 50 houses and stole more than 70 cows.