MEXICO CITY (AP) ― Federal police and soldiers will take over policing duties in the resort of Acapulco to ensure the safety of tourists amid a wave of violence and protests that has scared away visitors, Mexican authorities said.

Troops and federal police will also take over policing in 20 more townships north of Acapulco in a region known as Tierra Caliente, or the Hot Lands, which is plagued by drug cultivation, trafficking and cartels. The region covers parts of the states of Guerrero, Michoacan, Morelos and Mexico State.

A similar federal policing plan had already been implemented in 16 townships, including Iguala, where 43 teachers college students disappeared in September.

National Security Commissioner Monte Alejandro Rubido said the patrols in Acapulco and the 36 townships will be under the command of the army and are aimed at fighting drug cartels and rebuilding municipal police forces plagued by gang infiltration.