A van containing 16 of the bodies was plastered with a banner referencing the ongoing wars between rival drug cartels in Sinaloa, authorities said.

The grim reality of Mexico's escalating cartel violence was underscored on Monday as four decapitated bodies were found hanging from a bridge in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state. This horrific discovery comes amidst a surge of bloodshed that has claimed nearly 20 lives in less than 24 hours, according to authorities.

Mexican authorities in Sinaloa state said 20 people were killed, including some who were decapitated, in the latest episode of cartel-driven violence.