Mexican authorities reported today, Saturday, the discovery of 56 bodies in clandestine graves in the north of the country, near the border with the United States. The operation was led by the Attorney General's Office of the State of Chihuahua with the collaboration of the armed forces.
The bodies were discovered in 'El Willy', a piece of land near the Ejido Ignacio Zaragoza, located in the municipality of Casas Grandes, during a recent search. In total, 38 clandestine graves were processed with the participation of experts in criminology, forensic anthropology, Public Ministry agents, and members of the State Investigation Agency.
According to an official statement from the Attorney General's Office, two complete bodies, one incomplete, ten complete skeletons, five incomplete, and fragmented bone remains were recovered, along with spent casings and clothing. Everything was packed and taken to the Forensic Sciences laboratories in Ciudad Juárez for studies to determine the causes and timing of death, as well as the identification of the victims.
The area where the discoveries were made is known for the presence of criminal groups dedicated to the illegal trafficking of drugs, arms, and people. According to reports from the local newspaper 'La Jornada', the area was under the control of 'La Línea', an armed wing of the Ciudad Juárez cartel at the border with the United States.
Chihuahua, being a strategic route for illegal trafficking to the United States, has experienced an increase in violence related to organized crime in recent years. According to official figures, as of December 2024, there were 3,927 missing persons in the state.
