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Author: Subject: U.S. extends travel warning to Mexico (but not Baja) over violence
Woooosh
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[*] posted on 2-9-2012 at 08:20 PM
U.S. extends travel warning to Mexico (but not Baja) over violence


"The State Department advisory noted that 130 Americans were reported murdered in Mexico last year, up from 111 in 2010 and 35 in 2007." I don't know if that is a little or a lot. For sure it is too many. I would think there were more Americans living in Mexico in 2007 than in 2011, but the murder rate was triple. No mention of TJ or Baja which is nice for a change. Just a general caution for all northern border areas. We should all take that as good news for Baja tourism, but for sure we all know things are changing rapidly here and many forces are in play. No one knows the ending yet.

In Los Cabos, Zeta magazine this week reports a YouTube linking the commanders of the Los Cabos PGJE Robbery and Homicide division to the local drug kingpin (who presumably is in a fight with El Chapo). They were paid 250,000 pesos to get his gang protection from the PGJE and PGR. The "interrogation" video has provoked an investigation and everyone is scrambling as you can imagine. This makes the PGJE and PGR come off as anti-Chapo in the current fight for control of "Plaza Los Cabos". I think Baja should just roll out the welcome mat for El Chapo, let him invest his $Billions here for tourism infrastructure and have everything run below the surface again like it used to. Otherwise this violence and insecurity may not end in most North American retirees lifetimes. Let them have their drugs and money, but return to what it was seven yeas ago. In the land of manana, what's seven years gone?

http://www.zetatijuana.com/2012/02/07/narcovideo-la-corrupci...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/10/us-usa-mexico-trav...

(Reuters) - Spreading drug violence, kidnappings and carjackings in Mexico have led the State Department to increase the number of places it says Americans should avoid for safety reasons for the second time in less than a year.

A travel advisory issued this week urged U.S. citizens to avoid all but essential travel to 14 states in northern and central Mexico, warning that U.S. citizens have fallen victim to drug-cartel related activity "including homicide, gunbattles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery."

Last April, it issued a warning about 10 states.

The latest advisory cites concerns about parts of Aguascalientes, Guerrero and Nayarit in central Mexico, and raises its advisory against non-essential travel to include Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa and Zacatecas as well as Tamaulipas and Michoacan.

The State Department also maintained an April warning against non-essential travel to parts of Sonora, south of Arizona, and central Jalisco state, where drug cartel violence has become more widespread.

"Gunbattles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area," the travel advisory said.

"The location and timing of future armed engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas indicated in this travel warning and to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the northern border region," it added.

More than 47,500 people have been killed in Mexico since late 2006 when President Felipe Calderon took office and sent the Mexican armed forces to crush powerful cartels battling for lucrative smuggling routes to the United States.

The State Department advisory noted that 130 Americans were reported murdered in Mexico last year, up from 111 in 2010 and 35 in 2007. Among recent atrocities have been a fire set by masked gunmen in a casino in Monterrey, Mexico's industrial capital in Nuevo Leon, that killed 52 people, mostly women.

In another high profile incident, a U.S. missionary couple from Colorado was killed at their home in the city earlier this month. The advisory urged travelers to the city to exercise "extreme caution."

(Reporting By Tim Gaynor; Editing by Cynthia Johnston)




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Ateo
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[*] posted on 2-9-2012 at 08:36 PM


Yep. Be careful. Wherever you are.



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Woooosh
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[*] posted on 2-9-2012 at 09:40 PM


The Zeta article says the commandante who took the money was transferred to Mulege recently:

"Fernando Rojas Perez had been changed to the command of San Ignacio municipality of Mulege" which I think are the same guys who came to the rescue of Baja Nomads Mark and Olivia at Playa Buenaventura:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=58132




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JoeJustJoe
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[*] posted on 2-9-2012 at 10:00 PM


There is a difference between a travel advisory and travel warning. It appears the US government is issuing a "travel warning," however in many places on US government website they also mention a "travel advisory, or they mention no travel advisory is in effect in places like Cabo San Lucas.( see below)

Travel warnings have in the past have been used as political tools by the USA and other countries to get other countries to play ball with them. I of course take travel warnings seriously in countries I rarely travel to. In Mexico I take US travel warnings with a grain of salt especially in places in Mexico that I know well.

Regarding Northern Mexico, Baja, and Tijuana. According to the State Departments recent report. Only 34 US citizens were victims of homicide in the state during 2011, and most of the US citizens killed appeared to be related to narcotics trafficking.

Well guess what? I'm not involved in narcotics trafficking, and I doubt most other "Nomad" members are involved in narcotics, but I understand "BN" did have a couple of members into drugs.

I like the odds. The murder rate of Baja is only 20 per 100,000, and chances are the vast majority of those 20 per 100,000 are narco related:
________________________________________
From the US Department of State:


Northern Mexico

Baja California (north): Tijuana is a major city/travel destination in the Northern portion of Baja California -see attached map to identify its exact location: You should exercise caution in the northern state of Baja California, particularly at night. Targeted TCO assassinations continue to take place in Baja California. Turf battles between criminal groups proliferated and resulted in numerous assassinations in areas of Tijuana frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured, have occurred during daylight hours throughout the city. In one such incident, an U.S. citizen was shot and seriously wounded. According to the Government of Mexico, as of August 2011, the city’s murder rate was approximately 20 per 100,000. During 2011, 34 U.S. citizens were the victims of homicide in the state. In the majority of these cases, the killings appeared to be related to narcotics trafficking.

Baja California (South): Cabo San Lucas is a major city/travel destination in the Southern portion of Baja California -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location: No advisory is in effect.


http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5665.html

[Edited on 2-10-2012 by JoeJustJoe]
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[*] posted on 2-9-2012 at 10:56 PM


You said the murder rate for Baja was 20 per 100,000. That "travel warning" says the murder rate for TJ was 20 per 100,000. So all of baja is as dangerous as TJ?
:?:

[Edited on 2-10-2012 by Woooosh]




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JoeJustJoe
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[*] posted on 2-10-2012 at 01:16 AM


Quote:
Originally posted by Woooosh
You said the murder rate for Baja was 20 per 100,000. That "travel warning" says the murder rate for TJ was 20 per 100,000. So all of baja is as dangerous as TJ?
:?:

[Edited on 2-10-2012 by Woooosh]


Maybe it means only Tijuana is dangerous, and the rest of Baja is not.

Like I said it's a little confusing the travel warning. Northern Baja I'm sure means other Baja cities besides Tijuana, although I'm sure more of the violent action takes place in TJ.

But after taking a better look at the "Travel Warnings.' I'm feeling a little better about the different types of warnings the US State Department is giving.

For example many Mexican cities and states aren't even on the Travel Warnings list. For example, Baja South-Cabo San Lucas. There is no advisory in effect.

Man it's a great time of year to be in Cabo San Lucas, especially when the US State Department has no advisory in effect. However, Woooosh and "Zeta" are hinting Cabo is still very dangerous.

Baja California (South): Cabo San Lucas is a major city/travel destination in the Southern portion of Baja California -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location: No advisory is in effect.

Even Baja/Tijuana seems to be a little safer than other parts of Mexico on the travel advisory. Notice how it says you should exercise caution in the Northern states of Baja, but it doesn't say, "you should defer non-essential travel to Northern Baja/Tijuana like it does for other areas of Mexico:

Baja California ( North) Tijuana: You should exercise caution in the northern state of Baja California, particularly at night. T

Now look at how the US State Department warns against non-essential travel to the Juarez:

Chihuahua: Juarez and Chihuahua are the major cities/travel destinations in Chihuahua -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations: You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Chihuahua.

It's looks like JoeJustJoe and Mr and Mrs Smith could still visit many places in Mexico and still be pretty safe.

I could go to Cabo, Cancun, and even Mexico City where there are no advisory is in effect. Hell I could even visit the state of Tlaxcala because there is no advisory is in effect in that state.

I could even visit Baja/Tijuana which I do plan to do this coming week, and I could just exercise caution.

The other places In Mexico where the State Department say to travelers should defer non-essential travel to the state. I'll avoid, because I really don't want to go there anyway.
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[*] posted on 2-10-2012 at 10:39 AM


Quote:
Originally posted by ateo
Yep. Be careful. Wherever you are.


20 homicides per 100, 000 is the same as Washington DC. or Philadelphia, PA. It's about twice as many as in Arizona, and half the rate of New Orleans.

Also, from the Dept of State travel warning. "You should exercise caution in the northern state of Baja California, particularly at night. " Of course.
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[*] posted on 2-10-2012 at 11:19 AM


Good reply. Thanks. My point is that the future of Baja security is unsettled, but that is the case everywhere isn't it? Thanks for the civility.



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[*] posted on 2-10-2012 at 09:33 PM
No Problema Aqui


So Far, nobody I know has been Murdered. In Mexico or El Norte.

Which is sort of a Good News/Bad News situation.

As far as DC or the other Urban Cesspools go, it's likely (just as in Mexico) that a healthy percentage of those in the "Adios" column were deserving of their fate. Especially in the District of Criminals.

Too bad for the others BUT, as they say "Life is Uncertain. Eat Dessert First".

The odds are in your favor assuming you're not foolish so "Don't Worry-Be Happy".
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[*] posted on 2-12-2012 at 03:36 PM


Here is the whole thing. FYI.

Quote:

Department of State Travel Warning for Mexico

February 08, 2012

The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens about the security situation in Mexico. General information on the overall security situation is provided immediately below. For information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico, which can vary, travelers should reference the state-by-state assessments further below.
This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Mexico dated April 22, 2011 to consolidate and update information about the security situation and to advise the public of additional restrictions on the travel of U.S. government (USG) personnel.

General Conditions:
Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) have targeted U.S. visitors and residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes.

Nevertheless, U.S. travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter TCOs which engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico. The TCOs themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. As a result, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country and can occur anywhere. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to TCO activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery.

According to the most recent homicide figures published by the Mexican government, 47,515 people were killed in narcotics-related violence in Mexico between December 1, 2006 and September 30, 2011, with 12,903 narcotics-related homicides in the first nine months of 2011 alone. While most of those killed in narcotics-related violence have been members of TCOs, innocent persons have also been killed. The number of U.S. citizens reported to the Department of State as murdered in Mexico increased from 35 in 2007 to 120 in 2011.
Gun battles between rival TCOs or with Mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico, especially in the border region. Gun battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. TCOs use stolen cars and trucks to create roadblocks on major thoroughfares, preventing the military and police from responding to criminal activity. The location and timing of future armed engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas indicated in this Travel Warning and to exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the northern border region.

The rising number of kidnappings and disappearances throughout Mexico is of particular concern. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized. In addition, local police have been implicated in some of these incidents. We strongly advise you to lower your profile and avoid displaying any evidence of wealth that might draw attention.

Carjacking and highway robbery are serious problems in many parts of the border region and U.S. citizens have been murdered in such incidents. Most victims who complied with carjackers at these checkpoints have reported that they were not physically harmed.

Incidents have occurred during the day and at night, and carjackers have used a variety of techniques, including bumping/moving vehicles to force them to stop and running vehicles off the road at high speeds. There are some indications that criminals have particularly targeted newer and larger vehicles, especially dark-colored SUVs. However, victims driving a variety of vehicles, from late model SUVs to old sedans have also been targeted. While violent incidents have occurred at all hours of the day and night on both modern toll ("cuotas") highways and on secondary roads, they have occurred most frequently at night and on isolated roads. To reduce risk, we strongly urge you to travel between cities throughout Mexico only during daylight hours, to avoid isolated roads, and to use toll roads whenever possible. The Mexican government has deployed federal police and military personnel throughout the country as part of its efforts to combat the TCOs. U.S. citizens traveling on Mexican roads and highways may encounter government checkpoints, which are often staffed by military personnel or law enforcement personnel. TCOs have erected their own unauthorized checkpoints, and killed or abducted motorists who have failed to stop at them.

You should cooperate at all checkpoints.

Effective July 15, 2010, the U.S. Mission in Mexico imposed restrictions on U.S. government employees' travel. U.S. government employees and their families are not permitted to drive for personal reasons from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico or Central America. Personal travel by vehicle is permitted between Hermosillo and Nogales but is restricted to daylight hours and the Highway 15 toll road (cuota).

U.S. government personnel and their families are prohibited from personal travel to all areas described as "defer non-essential travel" and when travel for official purposes is essential it is conducted with extensive security precautions. USG personnel and their families are allowed to travel for personal reasons to the areas where no advisory is in effect or where the advisory is to exercise caution.

For more information on road safety and crime along Mexico's roadways, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

State-by-State Assessment:

Below is a state-by-state assessment of security conditions throughout Mexico divided into northern and southern regions. The accompanying map will help in identifying individual locations. Travelers should be mindful that even if no advisories are in effect for a given state, crime and violence can occur anywhere. For general information about travel conditions in Mexico, see our Country Specific Information <http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html> .

Northern Mexico
Baja California (north): Tijuana is a major city/travel destination in the Northern portion of Baja California -see attached map to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should exercise caution in the northern state of Baja California, particularly at night. Targeted TCO assassinations continue to take place in Baja California.

Turf battles between criminal groups proliferated and resulted in numerous assassinations in areas of Tijuana frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured, have occurred during daylight hours throughout the city. In one such incident, an U.S. citizen was shot and seriously wounded. According to the Government of Mexico, as of August 2011, the city's murder rate was approximately 20 per 100,000. During 2011, 34 U.S. citizens were the victims of homicide in the state. In the majority of these cases, the killings appeared to be related to narcotics trafficking.
Baja California (South): Cabo San Lucas is a major city/travel destination in the Southern portion of Baja California -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.

15. Chihuahua: Juarez and Chihuahua are the major cities/travel destinations in Chihuahua -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Chihuahua. The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern. Ciudad Juarez has one of the highest murder rates in Mexico. The Mexican government reports that more than 3,100 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2010 and 1,933 were killed in 2011. Three persons associated with the Consulate General were murdered in March 2010. The state of Chihuahua is normally entered through Columbus, NM, and the El Paso, Fabens and Fort Hanc-ck, TX, ports-of-entry. There have been incidents of narcotics-related violence in the vicinity of the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua.

Coahuila: You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Coahuila. The State of Coahuila continues to experience high rates of violent crimes and narcotics-related murders. TCOs continue to compete for territory and coveted border crossings to the United States. In August 2011, suspected members of TCOs and police exchange fire near a crowded soccer stadium in Torreón causing panic. The city of Torreón had a murder rate of more than 40 per 100,000 population between January and August of 2011. USG personnel may not frequent casinos, sport books, or other gambling establishments and adult entertainment establishments.

Durango: You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Durango. Between 2006 and 2010, the number of narcotics-related murders in the State of Durango increased dramatically. In 2011 several areas in the state continue to experience high rates of violence and remained volatile and unpredictable. USG personnel may not frequent casinos, sport books, or other gambling establishments and adult entertainment establishments.

Nuevo Leon: Monterrey is a major city/travel destination in Nuevo Leon -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Nuevo Leon, except the metropolitan area of Monterrey where you should exercise caution. The level of violence and insecurity in Monterrey has increased, illustrated by an attack on a popular local casino in August that resulted in 52 deaths. One U.S. citizen was injured in that incident. Local police and private patrols do not have the capacity to deter criminal elements or respond effectively to security incidents. As a result of a Department of State assessment of the overall security situation, on September 10, 2010, the Consulate General in Monterrey became a partially unaccompanied post with no minor dependents of USG personnel permitted. USG personnel serving at the U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey may not frequent casinos, sport books, or other gambling establishments and may not travel outside the San Pedro municipal boundaries between midnight and 6 a.m. Although there have been no such incidents in 2011, in 2010 TCOs kidnapped guests out of reputable hotels in the downtown Monterrey area, blocking off adjoining streets to prevent law enforcement response. TCOs have also regularly attacked local government facilities, prisons and police stations, and engaged in public shootouts with the military and between themselves. TCOs have used vehicle born improvised explosive devices against military and law enforcement units. Pedestrians and innocent bystanders have been killed in these incidents.

San Luis Potosi: You should defer non-essential travel to the state of San Luis Potosi, except the city of San Luis Potosi where you should exercise caution. The entire stretch of highway 57D in San Luis Potosi and portions of the state east of highway 57D towards Tamaulipas are particularly dangerous. In February 2011, one U.S. government employee was killed and another wounded when they were attacked in their U.S. government vehicle on Highway 57 near Santa Maria del Rio. Cartel violence and highway lawlessness are a continuing security concern. USG personnel may not frequent casinos, sport books, or other gambling establishments and adult entertainment establishments.
Sinaloa: Mazatlan is a major city/travel destination in Sinaloa -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Sinaloa except the city of Mazatlan where you should exercise caution particularly late at night and in the early morning. One of Mexico's most powerful TCOs is based in the state of Sinaloa. With the exception of Ciudad Juarez, since 2006 more homicides have occurred in the state's capital city of Culiacan than in any other city in Mexico. Travel off the toll roads in remote areas of Sinaloa is especially dangerous and should be avoided. In the last year, the city of Mazatlan has experienced a level of violence (primarily confrontations between TCOs) not seen before and incidents of violence are occurring more frequently in tourist areas. USG personnel are permitted to travel between the Mazatlan airport and the tourist areas only during daylight hours. We recommend that any other travel in Mazatlan be limited to the tourist areas (Zona Dorada and the historic town center). In 2010 there were over 300 narcotics-related murders within the city, compared to fewer than 100 in 2009. In the first seven months of 2011, there were 300 narcotics-related murders.

Sonora: Nogales and Puerto Peñasco are the major cities/travel destinations in Sonora -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel between the city of Nogales and the cities of Sonoyta and Caborca (which area also includes the smaller cities of Saric, Tubutama, and Altar), defer non-essential travel to the eastern edge of the State of Sonora which borders the State of Chihuahua (all points along that border east of the northern city of Agua Prieta and the southern town of Alamos), defer non-essential travel within the state south of the city of Ciudad Obregon with the exception of travel to Alamos (traveling only during daylight hours and using only the Highway 15 toll road, aka cuota, and Sonora State Road 162), and exercise caution when visiting the coastal town of Puerto Peñasco. Sonora is a key region in the international drug and human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for travelers. The region west of Nogales, east of Sonoyta, and from Caborca north, including the towns of Saric, Tubutama and Altar, and the eastern edge of Sonora bordering Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peñasco are urged to use the Lukeville, Arizona/Sonoyta, Sonora border crossing, in order to limit driving through Mexico, and to limit travel to main roads during daylight hours.

Tamaulipas: Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Tampico are the major cities/travel destinations in Tamaulipas -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. All USG employees are: prohibited from personal travel on Tamaulipas highways outside of Matamoros, Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo due to the risks posed by armed robbery and carjacking; may not frequent casinos and adult entertainment establishments within these cities; and in Matamoros are subject to a midnight to 6 a.m. curfew. Be aware of the risks posed by armed robbery and carjacking on state highways throughout Tamaulipas. In January 2011, a U.S. citizen was murdered in what appears to have been a failed carjacking attempt. While no highway routes through Tamaulipas are considered safe, many of the crimes reported to the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros have taken place along the Matamoros-Tampico highway, particularly around San Fernando and the area north of Tampico.

Zacatecas:You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Zacatecas except the city of Zacatecas where you should exercise caution. The regions of the state bordering Durango and Coahuila as well as the cities of Fresnillo and Fresnillo-Sombrete and surrounding area are particularly dangerous. The northwestern portion of the state of Zacatecas has become notably dangerous and insecure. Robberies and carjackings are occurring with increased frequency and both local authorities and residents have reported a surge in observed TCO activity. This area is remote, and local authorities are unable to regularly patrol it or quickly respond to incidents that occur there. Gun battles between criminal groups and authorities occur in the area of the state bordering the state of Jalisco. There have also been reports of roadblocks and false checkpoints on highways between the states of Zacatecas and Jalisco. The city of Fresnillo, the area extending northwest from Fresnillo along Highway 45 (Fresnillo-Sombrete) between Highways 44 and 49, and highway 49 northwards from Fresnillo through Durango and in to Chihuahua are considered dangerous. Extreme caution should be taken when traveling in the remainder of the state. USG personnel may not frequent casinos, sport books, or other gambling establishments and adult entertainment establishments. USG personnel may not travel outside the City of Zacatecas after dark and must abide by a curfew of midnight to 6 a.m. within a secured venue.

Southern Mexico

Aguascalientes: You should defer non-essential travel to the areas of the state that border the state of Zacatecas. The security situation along the Zacatecas border continues to be unstable and gun battles between criminal groups and authorities occur. Concerns include roadblocks placed by individuals posing as police or military personnel and recent gun battles between rival TCOs involving automatic weapons.
Campeche: No advisory is in effect.

Chiapas: San Cristobal de las Casas is a major city/travel destination in Chiapas -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.

Colima: Manzanillo is a major city/travel destination in Colima -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should exercise extreme caution when traveling through the areas of the state of Colima that border the state of Michoacán. You should also exercise caution when traveling at night outside of cities in the remaining portions of the state. The security situation along the Michoacán border continues to be unstable and gun battles between criminal groups and authorities occur. Concerns include roadblocks placed by individuals posing as police or military personnel and recent gun battles between rival TCOs involving automatic weapons.

Estado de Mexico: Toluca is a major city/travel destination in Estado de Mexico -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.

Guanajuato: San Miguel de Allende and Leon are the major cities/travel destinations in Guanajuato -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.

Guerrero: Acapulco, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo and Taxco are the major cities/travel destinations in Guerrero -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> s: You should defer non-essential travel to the northwestern and southern portions of the state (the area west and south of the town of Arcelia on the border with Estado de Mexico in the north and the town of Tlapa near the border with Oaxaca), except for the cities of Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa. In those cities, you should exercise caution and stay within tourist areas. You should also exercise caution and travel only during daylight hours on highway 95D (cuota/toll road) between Mexico City and Acapulco and highway 200 between Acapulco and Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. In Acapulco, defer non-essential travel to areas further than 2 blocks inland of the Costera Miguel Aleman Boulevard, which parallels the popular beach areas. In general, the popular tourist area of Diamante, just south of the city, has been less affected by violence. Flying into the coastal cities in southern Guerrero remains the preferred method of travel. You should also exercise caution in the northern region of Guerrero (the area north of the town of Arcelia on the border with Estado de Mexico in the north and the town of Tlapa near the border with Oaxaca). The state of Guerrero has seen an increase in violence among rival criminal organizations. Acapulco's murder rates increased dramatically since 2009; in response, the Government of Mexico has sent additional military and federal police to the state to assist State security forces in implementing operation "Guerrero Seguro" (Secure Guerrero) that focuses on combating organized crime and returning security to the environs of popular tourist areas.

Hidalgo: No advisory is in effect.

Jalisco: Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are the major cities/travel destinations in Jalisco -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel to areas of the state that border the states of Michoacán and Zacatecas. You should also exercise caution when traveling at night outside of cities in the remaining portions of this state. The security situation along the Michoacán and Zacatecas borders continues to be unstable and gun battles between criminal groups and authorities occur. Concerns include roadblocks placed by individuals posing as police or military personnel and recent gun battles between rival TCOs involving automatic weapons.

Mexico City (also known as the Federal District): No advisory is in effect.

Michoacán: Morelia is a major city/travel destination in Michoacán -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should defer non-essential travel to the state of Michoacán except the cities of Morelia and Lázaro Card##as where you should exercise caution. Flying into Morelia and Lázaro Card##as, or driving to Lázaro Card##as via highway 200 from Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, are the recommended methods of travel. Attacks on Mexican government officials, law enforcement and military personnel, and other incidents of TCO-related violence, have occurred throughout Michoacán.

Morelos: Cuernavaca is a major city/travel destination in Morelos -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : You should exercise caution in the state of Morelos due to the unpredictable nature of TCO violence. Numerous incidents of narcotics-related violence have occurred in the city of Cuernavaca, a popular destination for U.S. students.

Nayarit: You should defer non-essential travel to all areas of the state of Nayarit north of the city of Tepic as well as to the cities of Tepic and Xalisco. The security situation north of Tepic and in these cities is unstable and travelers could encounter roadblocks or shootouts between rival criminals. There is no recommendation against travel either to Riviera Nayarit in the southern portion of the state or to principal highways in the southern portion of the state used to travel from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta.
Oaxaca: Oaxaca, Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are the major cities/travel destinations in Oaxaca -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No warning is in effect.

Puebla: No advisory is in effect.

Queretaro: No advisory is in effect.

Quintana Roo: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum are the major cities/travel destinations in Quintana Roo -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify their exact locations <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.

Tabasco: Villahermosa is a major city/travel destination in Tabasco -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.

Tlaxcala: No advisory is in effect.

Veracruz: You should exercise caution when traveling in the state of Veracruz. In recent months, the state of Veracruz has seen an increase in violence among rival criminal organizations. In response, the Government of Mexico has sent additional military and federal police to the state to assist State security forces in implementing operation "Veracruz Seguro" (Secure Veracruz) that focuses on combating organized crime.
Yucatan: Merida and Chichen Itza are the major cities/travel destinations in Yucatan -see map (PDF, 286 kb) to identify its exact location <http://travel.state.gov/pdf/mexico_map.pdf> : No advisory is in effect.


http://www.themonitor.com/news/state-586...ml#warning


[Edited on 2-12-2012 by Roberto]
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DENNIS
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[*] posted on 2-12-2012 at 03:40 PM


Jeeeezo...a link would have sufficed.
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Roberto
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[*] posted on 2-12-2012 at 03:45 PM


I'm going for quantity, not quality. :lol::lol::lol::lol:
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