U.S. closes consulate in Mexico

WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- The United States closed its consulate in Ciudad Juarez, allegedly the city in Mexico most affected by violent drug-war gangs, authorities said.

A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City said it had received a "credible threat" and it would stay shut pending a security review, the BBC reported Friday.

A statement on the consular Web site advised government employees from U.S. consulates in Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros to depart those cities.

"Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well," the statement said.

The consulate in Ciudad Juarez was closed in March for several days after a U.S. employee, her husband and the husband of another staff member were fatally shot by men allegedly linked to drugs cartels.