19 Bodies Found in Suspected Drug Turf War

Mexican authorities stated that on August 8th, they had recovered a total of 19 bodies which had been found in various states, either hanging or dismembered, in what they are saying is likely a turf war between rival drug cartels.

A total of nine of the bodies were hung from an overpass, along with a banner that was only partially legible.  Two of the people hung from the overpass were women.  Some of the nine were hung with their hands bound, others were partially nude.

Below the bodies hung from the overpass, was a pile of several other bodies that had been dismembered.  Authorities report that there were seven bodies located there.

In another location, just down the road, another three bodies were located, also dismembered, bringing the total to 19.

"This kind of public, theatrical violence, where you don't just kill, but you brag about killing, is meant to intimidate rivals and send a message to the authorities," said Mexico security analyst Alejandro Hope.

Authorities are suspecting that the Jalisco drug cartel is behind the killings due to the part of the banner that could be read.  It stated, "Be a patriot, kill a Viagra," which is a rival drug cartel.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who took office in December, vowed to work on lowering the violence, relying in part on the newly launched National Guard.  Despite their efforts, however, the homicide rate has not decreased but rather, is on track to set a new, all time high record.