US in Guatemala Anti-drug Force
Guatemalan Defense Minister Francisco Bermudez admitted Monday there is a special anti-drug force in formation in the country in which some US agents are involved.

This force will start working in July and will be based at the Santa Ana Berlin Military Base in southwest Guatemala, near the Mexican border.

Bermudez said they were working with the Civil Aircraft Department to locate legal and illegal air routes that could be used by traffickers.

Questioned if the US Drug Enforcement Administration is working in such tasks, Bermudez answered the Guatemalan forces are permanently operating with DEA.

Bermudez offered declarations to the press shortly after opening a military exercise called 2006 North Peace Maintenance Operation, with the participation of 22 countries from North and Central America and the Caribbean.

This military exercise is sponsored by the US Southern Command at a cost between 1.5 and 2 million dollars, involving 400 soldiers in two scenarios: one in Guatemala City and another in the northern department of Coban.

The arrival of more than 50 ministers of Defense, chiefs of Major Staff, chiefs of police and other high officials from the participating countries is expected in the next day or two.

There will be a simulation of an international military force in a country of the area, with use of computers and state-of-the-art technology.