Eight more bodies found in mass graves

MEXICO CITY (AP):

Security forces searching mass graves in the northern Mexican state of Durango have unearthed eight more bodies, authorities said yesterday, bringing the total to 188 and making it the largest discovery yet of corpses secretly buried in regions plagued by drug-gang fighting.

The toll surpasses the 183 bodies found in pits last month in Tamaulipas, a state bordering Texas.

Soldiers recovered the latest eight bodies Tuesday, and digging continued at five graves discovered last month in the state capital, Durango city, state Public Safety Department spokesman Fernando Rios told The Associated Press.

Durango authorities say some of the victims have been dead for up to four years, while others were buried as recently as three months ago.