Mexico’s Drug War: 50,000 Dead in 6 Years

Note: As the warning below suggests, please do not click the link if you are sensitive or possibly offended by the photos.

Although nothing new for at least six years now (More than six years, if you get you news elsewhere rather than being shown what is happening from your television set that tells you only half the story), this is in America’s backyard, and which at times spills over across the border. College students should think twice about their “spring break” destinations and families who take cruises to destinations in Mexico, as well. The country is in shambles, the citizens afraid to go out at night in certain areas. The police are rendered absolutely useless, as well as the Mexican military at times, if not infilrated by these same drug gangs or as corrupt.

If you believe it’s a problem only in Mexico and couldn’t happen here, think again. As mentioned, it’s spilling over and parts of U.S. territory are not under our control. Consider what was mentioned at one time by a U.S. Border agent:

“To say that this area is out of control is an understatement,” said an agent who patrols the area and asked not to be named. “We (federal border agents), as well as the Pima County Sheriff Office and the Bureau of Land Management, can attest to that.”

In these areas, which are south and west of Tucson, sources said there are “cartel scouts galore” watching the movements of federal, state and local law enforcement, from the border all the way up to Interstate 8.

“Every night we’re getting beaten like a pinata at a birthday party by drug, alien smugglers,” a second federal agent told Fox News by e-mail. “The danger is out there, with all the weapons being found coming northbound…. someone needs to know about this!”

“We are unable to work any traffic, because they have us forward deployed,” the agent said. “We are unable to work the traffic coming out of the mountains. That traffic usually carries weapons and dope, too, again always using stolen vehicles.”

A land full of great culture, people, rich history and traditions has now evolved from what was once a great country to one with still-great culture, people, history and traditions oppressed by drug cartels and trapped in a prison they call home.

The year is 2012 and this is the new Mexico:

Image: A policeman walks among bullet-riddled patrol trucks after an attack at a police station in the town of Los Ramones

Since Mexico’s President Felipe Calderón began an all-out assault on drug cartels in 2006, more than 50,000 people have lost their lives across the country in a nearly-continuous string of shootouts, bombings, and ever-bloodier murders. Just last weekend, 49 decapitated bodies were reportedly discovered on a highway in northern Mexico. The New York Times reports on an increasing numbness and apathy among Mexicans after years of worsening carnage, about which they’ve been able to do virtually nothing. Gathered here is a collection of recent photographs from Mexico’s drug war and the people so horribly affected by it.

Warning: All images in this entry are shown in full. There are many dead bodies; the photographs are graphic and stark. This is the reality of the situation in Mexico right now.

Full article: Mexico’s Drug War: 50,000 Dead in 6 Years (The Atlantic)