Dozens of Bodies and Decapitated Heads Found in Mexico

Mexican authorities have discovered the bodies of at least 32 individuals and 9 decapitated heads in several mass graves in southern Mexico. The bodies and heads are likely remnants of conflicts between criminals and drug traffickers. The remains were found between Tuesday and Thursday, December 4, in pits located on a hill in the village of Pochahuejco, which is situated in the southern state of Guerrero; one of the centers of violent conflicts between cartels and criminals. A spokesperson for Guerrero's security forces stated that what has been found is 'horrific.' The identities of the individuals to whom the remains belong are unknown, and the remains have been sent to a hospital in the central part of the state for identification. Searches in the area for potential additional graves are ongoing. Cartels and criminals in Mexico typically hide the bodies of their victims in pits or mass graves scattered throughout the country. Over the past weekend, at least 24 people were killed in clashes in Guerrero state. The bodies of four of them, along with dismembered parts of five others, were found by the roadside. In the same week, dozens of people went missing during widespread kidnappings in the same state, which are usually carried out for ransom. Guerrero is the same state where, two years ago, dozens of protesting students went missing, a case that drew global media attention. Mexican authorities have stated that the missing students were likely burned, and their ashes were dumped in rivers or landfills. Since 2006, Mexico has been heavily engaged in a battle against drug trafficking criminals, resulting in thousands of deaths. Criminals also have many bloody rivalries among themselves. Thousands of people have also gone missing during this violence, with many never found.