The Mexican military has taken over police department in 22 cities across Tamaulipas.

The transition started on Wednesday and is expected to continue through the weekend.

Tamaulipas state officials reported that 22 out of the state's 43 municipalties are affected:

• Nuevo Laredo
• Guerrero
• Miguel Alemán
• Mier
• Camargo
• Díaz Ordaz
• Reynosa
• Río Bravo
• Valle Hermoso
• Matamoros
• San Fernando
• Soto la Marina
• Abasolo
• Jiménez
• Hidalgo
• Padilla
• Victoria
• El Mante
• González
• Altamira
• Tampico
• Madero

Soldiers from the Mexican army are expected to take over police duties while authorities get local police hired and certified.

The move was made to battle corruption and infiltration of police departments by drug trafficking organizations.