In Mexico, where street violence is routine, few images have the power to shock.

But a photo of boys as young as eight in fatigues, handling guns in the state of Guerrero has received widespread media coverage.

They are part of a community police force whose mission is to protect the area.

One of Mexico’s most violent states, Guerrero registered a total of 16,000 homicides last year.

Al Jazeera's Manuel Rapalo reports from Mexico City.