10 bodies found in Zacatecas, Mexico, including 5 hanging from bridge

Ten bodies, including that of a former mayor, have been found at three nearby locations across the Mexican state of Zacatecas. Five of the victims were left hanging from a bridge.

The bodies were discovered Saturday in Pánuco, Morelos and Sain Alto, three municipalities in the north-central Mexican state of Zacatecas, according to Secretary Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza.

Five bodies were found hanging from a bridge in Pánuco. Footage from the scene showed that all five victims appeared to be male and that some were blindfolded. A sign carrying a message believed to be connected to organized crime was left with the bodies.

Four other bodies were found near a government hospital in the municipality of Morelos at about the same time.

The 10th victim was found separately along a highway elsewhere in Zacatecas. He was identified as Ignacio Castrejón Valdez, the former mayor of the community of Sombrerete.

Security forces launched operations at all three locations to search for those responsible. No arrests have been announced.

Zacatecas has become a battleground for several criminal organizations, led by the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The Gulf Cartel, Northeast Cartel and a local group known as Los Talibanes also control territory in parts of the state.

The Trump administration has designated the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, Gulf Cartel and Northeast Cartel as foreign terrorist organizations. Local authorities have not publicly attributed Saturday’s killings to a specific criminal group.