In Mexico, at least 16 more bodies have been found over the past two days in various parts of Tamaulipas state. The defense ministry announced that 88 bodies have been recovered so far, believed to have been killed in drug-smuglling related violence. According to the announcement, the bodies were unearthed from four common graves around the community of San Fernando. Seven major drug gangs are operating in Mexico and their bloody clashes with each other and the authorities have left over 34,600 people dead since December 2006. In addition, the Human Rights Commission said more than 5,000 people have been reported missing in Mexico, and many are presumed to be victims of the drug violence. President Felipe Calderon launched a military crackdown against the drug gangs in 2006 but has so far failed to stem the violence.