Mexican children take up arms in fight against drug gangs

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

The children train in various shooting positions for two hours a week.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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