1. The Mexican Drug War 2006-2011

4. Since the 1980s, drug trafficking organizations have dominated Mexico and have spilled over into the American southwest. Cartel leaders used bribes, threats and public demonstrations of brutality to keep law enforcement and the military at bay.

6. On December 1st, 2006, newly elected president Felipe Calderon declared war on drug traffickers. On December 11th, 2006, Calderon sent 6500 federal troops into the Mexican state of Michoacan to end the reign of the La FamiliaMichoacana cartel in the region. Over 500 cartel members were killed during the operation, and the cartels were quick to retaliate.

9. 208 federal agents

10. 58 reporters