U.S. warns of possible cartel attacks against U.S. gov't interests in Mexico

U.S. warns of possible cartel attacks against U.S. gov't interests in Mexico

2011-07-16 04:13:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- The U.S. Consulate General in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez on Friday issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens in Mexico, warning them of threats of violence against U.S. government interests in Chihuahua state.

The emergency message, which were formerly known as warden messages, noted that Mexican authorities have captured key members of the cartels active in Juarez in recent months, increasing the risk of violence. "The cartels may seek to retaliate and increase their attacks against rival cartel members, Mexican law enforcement and/or the public in general," the alert said.

The statement sent to U.S. citizens in Mexico said information has come to light that suggests an unnamed cartel may be targeting the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez or U.S. Ports of Entry. "In the past, cartels have been willing to utilize car bombs in attacks. We ask American citizens to remain vigilant," it said.

In February, two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were killed in Mexico's northern state of San Luis Potosi when two gunmen ambushed the agents while traveling in their U.S. government-issued vehicle on the of San Luis Potosi-Mexico City highway.

And in April 2010, some damage was reported when a improvised explosive device (IED) exploded outside the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo in northern Mexico. No injuries were reported.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-16