Mexican authorities have uncovered at least 56 bodies in unmarked mass graves in the northern state of Chihuahua, officials announced Saturday. The remains, which include full skeletons, partial remains, clothing, and bullet casings, were discovered earlier this week in an area notorious for cartel activity.
The exhumation operation, supported by the military, spanned several days. Forensic teams are now working to determine the identities of the victims, as well as the time and cause of death.
The bodies were found in a region known as “El Willy,” reportedly controlled by La Línea, an armed faction of the Juárez cartel. This area has long been a critical route for drug trafficking and migrant smuggling toward the United States.
Mass graves have become a grim hallmark in parts of Mexico plagued by cartel violence. According to official records, over 100,000 people are currently missing nationwide, and more than 350,000 have been killed since the government launched a major offensive against drug cartels in 2006.
This latest discovery follows another in Chihuahua last month, when authorities unearthed 12 bodies in clandestine graves. An additional 12 bodies were found in nearby sites, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities near the U.S. border.
Officials are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the identification process. Families across Mexico continue to search for missing loved ones, hoping for closure amid the ongoing violence.
