Mexico: Anti-Drug Operations Criticized by the United Nations

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February13, 2007: Mexico is continuing to fight the drug gangs as a counter-insurgency operation, and has announced that there will be no let up in these operations. The government was particularly incensed by the recent the murder of seven policemen in Acapulco by drug gangs.

February 8, 2007: The Mexican government sent 50 soldiers to guard the office of the Guerrero State attorney. Mexican federal police said that they were on "preventive alert" in Gurrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Baja California Norte.

February 7, 2007: Eight gang members attacked two police stations in the city of Acapulco. The murderers killed five state policemen and two secretaries. Mexican authorities described the attack as "revenge" for the Mexican Army and federal police anti-drug operations carried out in January. One report said the "hit men" videotaped the slayings. The gang members wore army-style uniforms and berets similar to the types worn by Mexican Army special operations forces. Acapulco has been the scene of a drug war between rival cartels.

January 31, 2007: The UN criticized Mexico for using its army to fight drug gangs. The UN believes that using the army could lead to human rights abuses. The UN suggests that intelligence work is what stops drug violence.