Extreme violence in Mexico continues

The extreme violence in Mexico continues.

Forty-nine bodies, some mutilated, have been found on a highway connecting the northern Mexican metropolis of Monterrey to the U.S. border.

According to the Fox News, law enforcement official says the bodies of 43 men and six women were found in the town of San Juan early this morning.

So far this month, 23 bodies were found dumped or hanging in the city of Nuevo Laredo and 18 were found along a highway south of Guadalajara.

“This continues to be violence between criminal groups. This is not attack against the civilian population,” said Jorge Domene, Nuevo Leon’s state security spokesman.

Officials said they had not ruled out the possibility that the victims could be Central American immigrants or residents of another state, telling reporters Sunday that there had not been any local missing persons reports in recent days.

A high percentage of the murders are drug related however, the possibility of encountering violence in Mexico is a very real possibility.  More than 47,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence throughout Mexico since President Felipe Calderon announced a crackdown on cartels in December 2006.

Before traveling to Mexico, it is highly recommended that travelers check the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website for updated advisories and conditions especially if you are driving.  A travel warning, due to the extreme violence in Mexico, was issued in February, 2012 and remains in effect.

Notable violence in Mexico over past year from CBS