52 kidnapped migrants rescued in northern Mexico

52 kidnapped migrants rescued in northern Mexico

2011-04-30 06:19:19 GMT+7 (ICT)

TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- The Mexican military on Friday rescued 52 Central American migrants who were kidnapped in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, a military statement said.

The Ministry of National Defense said that among the 52 individuals freed were 34 Hondurans, 12 Guatemalans, five Salvadorans and one Nicaraguan. They were rescued during an operation in the city of Reynosa, after receiving a tip from a citizen.

On Monday, 51 people, who were kidnapped, were freed during an operation in the same municipality in Tamaulipas state. Among the 51 individuals freed by law agents were 15 Guatemalans, 2 Hondurans, 2 Salvadorians, 6 Chinese and 26 Mexicans.

Last week, police also rescued 68 people who were allegedly kidnapped by a regional drug cartel. Mexico's northern areas are marred with organized-crime-related violence due to the heavy presence of drug cartels.

Earlier this month, police found 145 bodies in mass graves located in Tamaulipas while investigating reports that passengers from a bus were kidnapped in late March. It is believed that they were people who refused to enlist within the ranks of 'Los Zetas' drug cartel.

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