For your information:
The Mexican drug cartel violence has continued to worsen with continuing
attacks against security and government officials because of increasingly
capable weapons, penetration of security institutions, an attempt to expand
and secure narcotics related operations, and a willingness to disregard
collateral damage to civilians and bystanders. Criminal and narcotics
related violence is no longer confined to drug trafficking organizations
controlled areas, evident by recent reporting of attacks conducted in and
around areas frequented by tourists.
Recent violent attacks have caused the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to
delay unnecessary travel to parts of Michoacán and Chihuahua and advise U.S.
citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.
Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently
against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view
to be a threat to their organization, regardless of the individuals'
citizenship. These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident
U.S. citizens in Chihuahua in July, 2009.
On August 20, 2009, the Department of State issued an updated Travel Alert
for U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico. It supersedes the
Travel Alert for Mexico dated February 20, 2009, and expires on February 20,
2010.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491.html
While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including
tens of thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or
business), violence in the country has increased. It is imperative that
travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid
dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a crime victim.
Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and
tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution
and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe
and enjoyable.
I've attached the original USNORTHCOM Force Protection (FP) Advisory Message
(Mexico Travel Policy) that was sent out earlier this year (Feb 09) before
Spring Break 09 (see attached email) and the most recent USNORTHCOM FP
Advisory 09-198.
The Mexican drug cartel violence has continued to worsen with continuing
attacks against security and government officials because of increasingly
capable weapons, penetration of security institutions, an attempt to expand
and secure narcotics related operations, and a willingness to disregard
collateral damage to civilians and bystanders. Criminal and narcotics
related violence is no longer confined to drug trafficking organizations
controlled areas, evident by recent reporting of attacks conducted in and
around areas frequented by tourists.
Recent violent attacks have caused the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to
delay unnecessary travel to parts of Michoacán and Chihuahua and advise U.S.
citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.
Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently
against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view
to be a threat to their organization, regardless of the individuals'
citizenship. These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident
U.S. citizens in Chihuahua in July, 2009.
On August 20, 2009, the Department of State issued an updated Travel Alert
for U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico. It supersedes the
Travel Alert for Mexico dated February 20, 2009, and expires on February 20,
2010.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4491.html
While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including
tens of thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or
business), violence in the country has increased. It is imperative that
travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid
dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a crime victim.
Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and
tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution
and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe
and enjoyable.
I've attached the original USNORTHCOM Force Protection (FP) Advisory Message
(Mexico Travel Policy) that was sent out earlier this year (Feb 09) before
Spring Break 09 (see attached email) and the most recent USNORTHCOM FP
Advisory 09-198.