July 12 (Bloomberg) -- Mexico's Army has started legal action against two officers and 10 soldiers in human-rights cases linked to the military's battle against drug traffickers, Reforma reported.

The military is investigating cases identified by the country's National Human Rights Commission in a report turned over to the Army this week, the Mexico City-based newspaper reported, citing a Defense Ministry statement. Legal action has begun against 12 soldiers, whom the ministry didn't name, Reforma said.

Mexico's military needs more training in legal limits to the use of force, the rights commission said, according to Reforma. The incidents identified by the commission, which include killings, torture and illegal detention, could have been avoided, the newspaper said, citing Jose Luis Soberanes, rights ombudsman.

The military includes human rights as part of its training programs, the newspaper said, citing the Defense Ministry.

Complaints to the Human Rights Commission have increased to 591 so far this year, compared to 385 last year, Reforma said.

To contact the reporter on this story: William Freebairn in Mexico City wfreebairn@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: July 12, 2008 12:15 EDT