Mexico, August 25: At least 72 bodies have been discovered on a ranch in northeastern Mexico, in what is seen as one of the worst cases of drug-related violence in the country.
The bodies, including those of 14 women, were found Wednesday after a shoot-out with suspected drug cartel gunmen near San Fernando in Tamaulipas state.
The assault left one marine and three gunmen dead. The military also arrested one underage suspect.
After the raid, Mexican authorities launched a thorough search on the ranch, leading to the unraveling of one of the largest mass graves linked to drug-related violence.
It was not immediately clear exactly where the bodies were found or for how long they had been there.
A cache of weapons, ammunition and uniforms were also discovered on the site.
The Mexican government condemned the “barbarous act committed by criminal organizations”, stressing that it illustrates the “absolute necessity” to continue the war against drug cartels in the country.
Drug violence has killed more than 28,000 people in Mexico since Mexican President Felipe Calderon launched his military campaign on drugs when he took office in late 2006.
During recent months, mass graves have been turning up with increasing frequency.
In June, police uncovered 55 bodies from an abandoned mine near Taxco, in the southern state of Guerrerro.
—Agencies