Gang-related gun battle kills dozens in Mexico

Mexican officials say at least 26 people died in a gun battle between two drug cartels in northern Mexico. The violence broke out early Wednesday morning between members of La Linea, the armed wing of the Juarez cartel, and a faction of the Sinaloa gang. Local news reports claim more than 30 people died. The firefight took place in Las Varass, a remote town about 185 miles northwest of the Chihuahua state capital. The area is part of the so-called Golden Triangle, where cartels cultivate opium and marijuana. The Sinaloa cartel has long controlled the region but after the arrest and extradition of kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the group is battling rival gangs to retain its dominance. Drug-related violence has reached near-record levels this year as drug cartels battle for territory. Mexico has logged its highest number of murder victims in 20 years.