Top Mexican Drug Fighter Murdered on First Day

(NEWSER) - The bodies of 11 men and a woman were found by the side of a remote highway in Mexico's Michoacan state yesterday, Reuters reports. The victims had been tortured before being executed, police said. Officials believe the killings are linked to an ongoing feud for control of the state between the Gulf drug cartel and a group of smugglers known as "the Family." Four bodies were found in the same place last week. More»

US holds up aid until Mexico can 'pass' human rights investigation

(NEWSER) - A growing body of evidence points to widespread human rights abuses by the Mexican military in its battle against drug cartels, the Washington Post reports. Human rights groups say the army has responded to the traffickers' brutal tactics with equal brutality, carrying out deadly campaigns of "disappearances," forced confessions, torture, and rape in regions where the cartels are active. More»

Cancun, like Mexico, 'is at war,' says local editor

(NEWSER) - Those headed to Cancun for spring break might want to hold off just a tad before slathering on Mexican suntan oil—while authorities investigate torture and murder charges against the ousted local police chief. Mexico's out-of-control drug war is seeping into nearly every community in the nation—including one of the most popular vacationing destinations, reports the Los Angeles Times. More»

Police ambushed as they searched for victims' bodies

(NEWSER) - A dozen police officers investigating the beheadings of 10 people were killed in an ambush in southern Mexico. Another 11 officers were injured. The officers were traveling in six patrol cars searching for the bodies of seven men and three women whose heads were found dumped outside a slaughterhouse in Guerrero state, AP reports. The killings are believed to be the work of the Knights Templar cartel, which is battling La Familia for control of the state's drug routes. Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Mexico this Friday, and he is expected to comment on the country's drug-related violence. More»

Cartels at war again in Michoacan

(NEWSER) - The drug war appears to be heating up again in Mexican President Felipe Calderon's home state. Some 15 semi-naked bodies were found in a pile outside a gas station in Zitacuaro, Michoacan state, the BBC reports. All of the victims were male and three were minors. Police say threatening messages were left next to the bodies, which showed signs of torture. More»