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Nicole's
Travelogues and Budget Travel Tips..
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MILITARY, MEXICOChiapas is now a militarized state with military camps, frequent roadblocks, and daily aerial surveillance. This was the first time I had seen so much military presence in various forms. Driving on the roads, you would pass military trucks and humvees every 15-20 minutes. While staying at the Aguascalientes, there were helicopter flyovers at least every hour. And traveling from town to town you would pass military checkpoints where you would have to show your passport and state your reason for being in the area.
Paramilitaries The map below depicts the approximate regions paramilitaries occupy:
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The Mexican army has set up military camps within immediate striking distance of 80% of the Zapatista communities, aerial surveillance has been increasing weekly, and the number of PRI paramilitaries have increased. Currently, more than 40% of the Mexican military occupies Chiapas. Amnesty International and other human rights groups have reported illegal searches and daily acts of aggression in various indigenous communities - especially La Realidad and Morelia. The presence of U.S. military aid is apparent as the Mexican army uses humvees, armored personnel carriers, and Blackhawk helicopters, to carry out harassment. Additionally, military personnel are being trained at the School of the Assassins (the notorious School of the Americas). |
