U.S. issues new travel alert for Mexico

The U.S. State Department released a new travel alert for Mexico, citing violence by drug gangs in the northern part of the country. The advisory warns that people should be “exercising common-sense precautions” when visiting and /or residing in Mexico:

Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists…

U.S. citizens are urged to be especially alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. While Mexican citizens overwhelmingly are the victims of these crimes, this uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well.

The alert also briefly mentions the Mexican government’s anti-crime efforts that have been partially successful.

Sources- Newsweek, State Department, UPI, The Latin Americanist

Image- BBC News