More than 70,000 Mexican troops patrol Chiapas. Many, under the command of U.S. Army School of the Americas-trained commanders, camp just outside villages and intimidate inhabitants with tanks, machine guns, and helicopters. Evidence indicates some of the weapons are supplied by the U.S. In addition, the government does almost nothing to stop the paramilitary forces in the region from gaining power. They threaten, intimidate, kidnap, steal crops, and destroy property. They are responsible for the 1997 massacre of 45 unarmed women, children, and elderly in Acteal. The Mexican government has encouraged and provided funds for paramilitary groups.