Mexican ‘extermination’ camp found by people searching for loved ones

Families in Mexico who are desperately searching for their missing loved ones have been confronted with a horrifying discovery in the western state of Jalisco. What is being called an “extermination” site has been uncovered, complete with human remains and cremation ovens, sparking fears that their worst nightmares may be coming true.

The site was first found last week by a group of volunteers who believe it was used by the New Generation Jalisco Cartel, one of the most powerful and violent cartels in the region. Inside the iron gates of the site, they found a chilling array of horrors – cremation ovens, bone fragments, hundreds of pairs of shoes, clothing, and even children’s toys.

Luz Toscano, one of the volunteers, spoke to BBC News about the grim discovery, saying that many families recognized the shoes found at the site as similar to the ones their missing relatives were wearing when they disappeared. The ranch, located near the village of Teuchitlán, had been raided by Mexican authorities last September, but at that time, they failed to uncover or disclose the presence of human remains.

During the raid last September, 10 arrests were made, two hostages were freed, and a body wrapped in plastic was discovered. This week, as authorities began a more thorough search of the site, they also found almost 100 shell casings, indicating the violence that had taken place there.

Although none of the remains have been identified yet, it is believed that the number of victims could be significant, based on the large number of personal items left behind – around 700 in total. Eduardo Guerrero, a security analyst in Mexico City, expressed shock at the scale of the potential tragedy, highlighting the prevalence of mass graves in Mexico.

The discovery of the “extermination” site has shocked the nation and prompted calls for authorities to take decisive action against cartel violence. With an estimated 120,000 “forcibly disappeared” people in Mexico, the need for justice and accountability is more urgent than ever.

Jalisco state Governor Pablo Lemus assured the public in a video message that his office is fully cooperating with federal investigators and is committed to solving the case. The ranch in Teuchitlán, which was allegedly being used as a training base for cartel recruits, is now the focus of intense scrutiny and investigation.

The horrifying discovery serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence and disappearances in Mexico, and underscores the urgent need for justice for the victims and their families. As authorities continue their investigation, the nation waits anxiously for answers and accountability in the face of this unspeakable tragedy.