Covering Border Conflicts

Covering border conflicts

Reporters Without Borders -- Amnesty International at GWU Washington DC, April 30, 2009 -- Jorge Luis Sierra

Covering border conflicts

Armed conflictsUrban environmentWeaponryMilitary type of combat

Covering border conflicts

Armed conflicts

Among drug trafficking organizations (DTOs)

DTOs against governmental forces

Covering border conflicts

Urban environment

Clashes in densely populated areas Command and control and operations at

both sides of the border

Covering border conflicts

Weaponry Automatic rifles Rocket propelled grenades Five-seven and Project 90 guns Sniper rifles 50 mm Hand grenades and mortars

Covering border conflicts

Military type of combat About 200,000 DTO members have

military background and training Psychological warfare Checkpoints (military and criminal) Military intelligence

Challenges for reporters

Lack of training Lack of networks of support High level of impunity No adequate legal systems All sides trying to use them

Challenges for reporters

Few reliable sources Environment of fear and corruption Drug traffickers and government trying to

control newspapers and media outlets

Photos: reforma.com and gao.gov

jlsierra@hotmail.com