Mexican president defends armed forces in missing students case

FILE PHOTO: Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gestures as he speaks during the delivery of an investigation report with relatives of the 43 missing students of the Ayotzinapa Teacher Training College, marking the 6th anniversary of their disappearance, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico September 26, 2020. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido/File Photo

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Thursday pushed back against accusations that the armed forces had hindered an investigation into the 2014 disappearance of 43 student teachers, but vowed to find out what had happened to the youths.

Lopez Obrador took office in 2018 promising to clear up the notorious case that sparked international outcry against his predecessor, yet rights advocates fear that goal may remain out of reach by the time his term ends late next year.