Mexico to stop violence against Americans

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Mexico has assured the United States that it was committed to stopping the murders and disappearance of Americans in the country.

The State Department said Saturday it was "in continuous contact" with Mexican authorities, "who have told us they are committed to addressing the problem of ... murders and disappearances of American citizens throughout Mexico."

"The United States and Mexico are cooperating to resolve cases involving harm to American citizens," the statement added.

The assurance followed media reports that at least 27 Americans have been abducted along the border with Mexico in the past six months because of increased violence among drug traffickers.

Earlier this week, the State Department issued a travel warning, urging Americans to take extra-precautions while traveling in Mexico.

Of the 27, two were killed, 14 were released and 11 remain missing, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Thursday.

The abductions do not include "express" kidnappings in which Americans are forced to withdraw large sums of money from ATMs before they are released, Boucher said.