Guatemala president orders army to join drugs fight and "neutralise organised crime".

President Perez Molina (c) said he would provide the military with new equipment to fight drug cartels

One day after his inauguration, Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina has ordered the army to join the fight against drug cartels.

Mr Perez Molina, who is a retired general, called on the military to "neutralise organised crime".

Officials say the police in some areas of Guatemala have been infiltrated by drug gangs.

Guatemala is following the example of Mexico and Honduras, where the military is also tackling the drug gangs.

President Perez Molina, who is the first military figure to lead Guatemala since the return to democracy in 1986, has promised tough action against violent crime and drug trafficking.

During his campaign for the presidency, he promised voters to restore security with an "iron fist".

íntegra na BBC