U.S. extends travel warning for Mexico

July 17th, 2010 - 5:34 pm ICT by BNO News  

WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – The U.S. Department of State issued on Friday a travel warning for Mexico due to the security situation in the North American nation. This travel warning is an extension to the one issued last March.

The U.S. Department of State authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel stationed in the northern Mexico cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros.

The warning stemmed after the escalating drug-related violence in the north of Mexico. Even though resort areas and tourist destinations do not reflect the same levels of violence, crime and violence are serious problems due to existence in the region of major drug trafficking routes.

The Department of State recommends U.S. citizens to visit only legitimate businesses and touristic places during daylight hours. The Department also urges Americans to avoid areas susceptible to criminal activities as to avoid dangerous situations. Another useful advice it to avoid going out at night and if necessary doing so in groups.

The U.S. also urged Americans who believe that have been targeted for kidnapping or other crimes to notify Mexican law enforcement and the nearest U.S. Consulate as soon as possible. They are also advised to return to the United States immediately.

Much of the country’s narcotics-related violence has occurred in the northern border region of Mexico. Despite federal efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations (DTO), 22,700 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since 2006.

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