Puerto Rico to activate National Guard
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Puerto Rico's new governor is calling out National Guard troops to help prevent drug and weapons smuggling.
Alejandro Garcia Padilla said late Thursday that soldiers will be stationed in ports and airports across the U.S. territory to help bolster security. It was his first executive order as governor.
At least 50 soldiers and airmen will be activated by February, National Guard spokesman Maj. Paul Dahlen said Friday. He said that unlike past years, the National Guard this time will not be armed and visible to the public, but instead will provide technical support including the use of radar to monitor the island's coastline.
The National Guard was last activated in February 2010 for one year to help Puerto Rico fight rising crime on the island of 4 million people.