Torreon: A Massacre in Mexico Leaves 17 People Dead

A bloody massacre in Torreon, Mexico left 17 people dead. This tragedy not only killed the 17 individuals, but also injured 18 others. This happened when gunmen jumped out of their cars and opened fire at a private party.

The suspects didn't say anything before opening fire. The sad thing about the whole situation is that massacres in this region of the world aren't unprecedented. Had this occurred in the United States, it would be all over the news and people would be in a state of panic.

There is some speculation that the Torreon Massacre could be drug related. There are so-called "turf wars" going on between the Gulf Cartel and the previous enforcers, the Zetas. Both groups want control of drug trafficking routes.

Three days prior to the event, a car bomb exploded killing 19 people in Chihuahua. This again is another event that would truly bring distraught feelings to the American public.

In January, another private party was raided, and 15 more people - most of them college students - were killed.

The northern region of Mexico bumps up with the US border. Drug trafficking is a problem, and is said to be part of the reason that the state of Arizona has passed the controversial legislation - SB1070. If the borders to the US were more secure, then perhaps the violence in Mexico would even improve, as it would be harder to get mules across the border and in to the United States.

The ages and identities of the victims haven't been determined, but it's said that most of them are women. Over 120 .223 bullet casings were found at the scene.

The M-4 rifle uses a .223 caliper shell. This is the same type of assault weapon used by the US armed forces. AK 47's use 7.62X39 rounds. This indicates that it's likely that the M-4 or another similar firearm was used.

The violence in Mexico and throughout the drug world is unprecedented. It's unfortunate that people turn to violence to solve problems. The Torreon Massacre will sadly just become another incident in the Latin American country, soon forgotten when the next big violent attack occurs.

Hopefully eventually something will be done to curb the violence. Until then, use caution when traveling in northern Mexico.

Source:

CBS News