The American embassy and consulate has an urgent one warning Regarding escalating violence in Tamaulipas, in particular around the areas of Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando.
According to the consulate, during the late night and early morning hours in Reynosa there was an increase in weapons fighting, as well as a growing threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the region.
Ied -threat and recent incidents
The state of Tamaulipas has reported the discovery of Ied’s along dirt and secondary roads in Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando. These devices are manufactured and implemented by criminal organizations and pose considerable risks for travelers and residents in the region.
On January 23, an IED destroyed a vehicle from a government of Mexico (Conagua) in Rio Bravo, who injured the resident. This incident emphasizes the severity of the threat and the increasing danger of these devices. Travelers are highly advised to prevent unknown objects from being handled or approached in the vicinity of roads.
US government measures and travel restrictions
As a precautionary measure, US government employees were ordered to prevent all trips in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo outside daylight hours. Moreover, they are instructed to prevent unpaved roads in Tamaulipas. These limitations correspond to the travel advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Tamaulipas, which is referred to as “level 4: not travel” due to penetrating crime and kidnapping risks.
Safety recommendations for American citizens
The American consulate has made the following recommendations for American citizens in Tamaulipas:
- Avoid unpaved roads: Stay with paved roads and established travel routes.
- Travel during daylight: Plan all travel during daylight hours to reduce risks.
- Do not touch unknown objects: Extreme caution and do not interact with unknown objects in the vicinity of roads.
- Stay informed: Monitor local media for updates on safety conditions.
- Be aware of your environment: Stay vigilant and report every suspicious activity.
- Communicate: Inform friends and family about your safety and travel plans.
