López Obrador accused of militarizing Mexico with new security decree

Human rights groups concerned over expanding the role of the armed forces as the country's homicide rate reaches new high

Human rights groups in Mexico have expressed disquiet over a presidential decree expanding the role of the armed forces in public security - a reflection of the country's worsening violence and the failure to properly prepare and equip a police force able to take on powerful criminal organisations.

The decree, published on Monday by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, demonstrates an ongoing dependency on the army and navy for public security work - even though soldiers and marines have been frequently accused of human rights violations.