Mexico Under Siege

MORE U.S. FUNDS FREED FOR MEXICO'S DRUG FIGHT

Washington Releases an Additional $99 Million As Part of an Aid
Package to Help Security Forces in Their Battle With Drug Cartels.

Mexico City -- The United States has released an additional $99
million as part of an aid package to support Mexico's police and
soldiers in their fight against drug cartels.

U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said Wednesday that the funds would help
Mexico's military buy aircraft and other equipment to help detect
drugs, cash and weapons. He said the equipment would arrive in the
fall.

Washington released $197 million in December as part of a $400-million
U.S. anti-drug package for Mexico for this fiscal year.

The money is coming at a crucial time. Mexico's death toll from drug
violence soared above 5,000 in 2008, and the killing has continued
this year.

Tijuana police said Wednesday that gunmen opened fire from several
cars late Tuesday, killing a 22-year-old standing with his family
outside his house.

Separately, two bodies were found wrapped in blankets and dumped on
the street near a cemetery in the border city.

And four decapitated bodies were found early Wednesday in a
neighborhood close to the U.S. border.

The heads of the victims were found inside a black bag left at the
scene.