12 bodies bearing signs of torture found with cartel messages in Mexico, authorities say

Twelve bodies — all bearing signs of torture and left with messages by cartels — were found on Thursday in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, local authorities said, attributing the killings to disputes between organized crime groups.

Guanajuato, a thriving industrial center that is also home to popular tourist destinations, is currently Mexico's most violent state, according to official homicide statistics.

The 12 bodies were found within two hours in five locations in the city of Salamanca, according to the state prosecutor's office, which is investigating the crime.