22,700 killed in drug violence in Mexico since '06

Source: AP

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO, Associated Press Writer

MEXICO CITY – More than 22,700 people have been killed in Mexico's drug war since a U.S.-backed military crackdown on cartels began more than three years ago, according to a government report.

The report said 2009 was the deadliest year in the drug war, with 9,635 people killed in violence tied to organized crime. That compares to 2,837 in 2007, the first year of President Felipe Calderon's military-led offensive.

Gang violence has continued surging this year, with 3,365 people killed between January and March, according to the confidential report sent to lawmakers Monday. The Associated Press had access to the report Tuesday.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100414/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_drug_war_mexico

that one of the 'stars' in the so-called 'drug war' is a non-toxic, non-lethal, non-addictive, naturally-occurring plant. This plant hasn't directly killed anyone, and yet we're fighting this 'war' to make us 'safe'.

Very, very sad that we've let this atrocity go on for so long.

another failure on the wars against "something"....

The murderous violence in Juarez continues as the local street gangs fight over the leftover crumbs. Now the Sinaloa cartel has teamed up with the Gulf cartel to annihilate Los Zetas, which is mutually seen as a threat. The violence is now spreading to rural parts of the country previously untouched by the violence. It is going to get worse yet.