CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico, July 15 (UPI) -- The U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez Friday issued an emergency message warning of violence against U.S. government interests in Chihuahua.
"Mexican authorities have captured key members of the cartels active in Juarez. These successes also bring with them the potential for an increase in violence," the consulate said in a message to staff. "The cartels may seek to retaliate and increase their attacks against rival cartel members, Mexican law enforcement and/or the public in general.
"Information has come to light that suggests a 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.
"If the Consulate should receive any credible threat information that provides a specific time and place, that information will be disseminated immediately."
U.S. tourism in Mexico has dropped in recent months due to fears of violence. About 12,000 people traveled through Juarez from July 1-12, down 2,300 from the same period last year, state figures indicate.
Juarez, a city of 1.5 million on the Rio Grande south of El Paso, Texas, is ground zero in Mexico's war on drugs, with more than 1,220 homicides so far this year, after more than 3,100 homicides last year, the El Paso Times reported.
