Photos have surfaced showing children as young as 12 years old in Mexico brandishing rifles, as they have been recruited by a volunteer police force to fight against organized crime, according to a report. The recruitment took place in Ayahualtempa, a village located in the southwestern Guerrero state. Authorities in the area have reported being overwhelmed by kidnappings, and the children have been enlisted to strengthen the protection of the village.

The children were seen parading around a sports field before joining the volunteer patrol. In an interview with Milenio television channel, one of the teenagers expressed frustration, stating, "We can't study because of lawlessness." He mentioned that he learned how to shoot a gun through a series of lessons.

This recent development comes on the heels of an alleged drone attack by a cartel in Guerrero state, which resulted in the death of five individuals. Additionally, a family of four from Ayahualtempa has been missing since last Friday after being kidnapped.

Local official Antonio Toribio is determined to put an end to the rampant violence. "We're not going to allow them to kidnap us anymore, or for people to keep disappearing," he insisted, highlighting the necessity of reinforcing the volunteer police force in the village, which has a population of approximately 700.

Simultaneously, the Mexican authorities are intensifying their efforts to combat rising crime rates in Tulum, a popular tourist destination. Tulum Mayor Diego Castañón Trejo announced the addition of 30 members from the Mexican Navy to the existing law enforcement presence in the area, aiming to create a "safer and calmer environment." With the deployment of these 30 military personnel, the total force in Tulum will exceed 250 members.

The recruitment of children into the volunteer police force in Ayahualtempa represents a desperate response to the escalating criminal activities in the region. While authorities strive to bring about a safer environment, concerns about the impact on the children's well-being and the long-term effectiveness of such a measure will surely arise, prompting further discussion on sustainable solutions to address Mexico's pressing security challenges.