Mexican children take up arms in fight against drug gangs

Guerrero is one of the poorest and most violent parts of Mexico

Published: January 25, 2020 17:08 Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Producer, inputs from AFP

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With baseball caps and scarves covering their faces, only their serious eyes are visible as a dozen children stand to attention, rifles by their side. Image Credit: AFP

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In the heart of the violence-plagued Mexican state of Guerrero, learning to use weapons starts at an early age. Image Credit: AFP

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In the village of Ayahualtempa, at the foot of a wooded hill, the basketball court serves as a training ground for these youths, aged between five and 15. Image Credit: AFP

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The children practice with rifles and handguns or makeshift weapons in various drill positions for a few hours every week. Image Credit: AFP

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A boy aims a rifle as the Regional Coordinator of Community Authorities (CRAC-PF) community police force teaches a group of children how to use weapons, at a basketball court in the village of Ayahualtempan, Guerrero State, Mexico. Image Credit: AFP

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A boy holds a gun as the Regional Coordinator of Community Authorities (CRAC-PF) community police force teaches a group of children how to use weapons, at a basketball court in the village of Ayahualtempan, Guerrero State, Mexico. The CRAC-PF vigilante group trains children as young as five so they can protect themselves from drug-related criminals groups operating in the area. Image Credit: AFP

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The situation has become so untenable for the inhabitants of the region that parents have agreed to let their children join the militia. Image Credit: AFP

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The children train in various shooting positions for two hours a week. Image Credit: AFP

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The children practice with rifles and handguns or makeshift weapons in various drill positions for a few hours every week. Image Credit: AFP

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Children are taught to use weapons by the Regional Coordinator of Community Authorities (CRAC-PF) community police force Image Credit: AFP

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All of them wear olive green militia T-shirts that are far too large for some of the younger recruits. Image Credit: AFP

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A boy holds a rifle as children are taught to use weapons by the Regional Coordinator of Community Authorities (CRAC-PF) community police force. Image Credit: AFP

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The CRAC-PF vigilante group trains children as young as five so they can protect themselves from drug-related criminals groups operating in the area. Image Credit: AFP

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A boy looks on as he holds a makeshift gun as the Regional Coordinator of Community Authorities (CRAC-PF) community police force teaches a group of children how to use weapons Image Credit: AFP

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Those under the age of 13 are not yet taking part in patrols but are ready to fight in the event of an attack. Image Credit: AFP

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