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U.S. Says Mexico Drug Violence Poses Growing Threat to Tourists

Other News Materials 21 February 2009 22:16 (UTC +04:00)

Drug-related violence and gun battles have increased in Mexico recently, the State Department warned in an updated alert for U.S. citizens traveling to and living in the neighboring country, dpa reported.

"Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places," the warning said. "In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved."

The greatest surge in violence is near the border, where Mexican drug cartels are fighting among themselves and with security officials for the control of narcotics trafficking routes, the State Department said in the alert, which expires on Aug. 20 and replaces one from late last year.

Mexican drug cartels used automatic weapons and grenades in recent confrontations with local army and police officials, with "large firefights" taking place most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez, according to the warning. "U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily unable to get out of the area," the alert said.

The department also cautioned that kidnappings, public shootouts in daylight, robberies, homicides, petty thefts and carjackings have risen over the last year. Criminals are armed with sophisticated weapons, and in some cases have worn police or military uniforms and used vehicles that resemble police vehicles, the department said.

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