4 killed by new cartel in Cuernavaca, Mexico

According to BBC.com, four men were found dead last week, hanging by their ankles from a bridge near the city of Cuernavaca, in the state of Morelos. The men had been decapitated, as well as severely mutilated. A message was reportedly found near the bodies warning that anyone who supported Edgar Valdez would share a similarly grisly end. Edgar Valdez, also known as "La Barbie" (because of his blond hair),  is a Mexican American who is vying for control of the Beltran Leyva Cartel, which is located in Sinaloa. The Cartel has been leaderless since its leader, Arturo Beltran Leyva, was killed by government forces last December.

Hector Beltran Leyva is competing against Edgar (who happens to be a U.S. citizen), for control of the organization. Though the DTO is fairly small, it does have a substantial intelligence system, and controls a number of firms and companies involved in transportation, electronics, health products and hospitality.

However, what complicates the issue even further is that a DTO calling themselves the South Pacific Cartel (C.P.S signature was found on the signs), is apparently taking credit for these murders. There is little information on either the C.P.S or "La Barbie". Furthermore, Cuernavaca was never really considered a disputed region in the drug conflict, so this act points out that DTOs are vying for as much territory as they can possibly acquire.

Who is Edgar Valdez? What the orgins of the C.P.S, and why are we only hearing about them now? Whatever is occurring within the organizational structure of the Mexican DTO's is obviously monumental, and we will no doubt be witnessing further acts of violence as established and newer organizations combat one another for power and territory.