The U.S. State Department is urging U.S. government personnel to avoid travel to the state of Chihuahua, Mexico due to rising drug related violence in this area. As a prudent measure, the commander, U.S. Northern Command has recommended that commanders consider placing the state of Chihuahua, including Cuidad Juarez off limits until further notice. U.S. Northern Command will continue to assess the situation with respect to the security and safety of U.S. Military personnel.

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico see the Mexico country specific information at http:// travel.state.gov/travel/cis/_PA_TW/cis/cix_970.html.

For more information on traveling abroad see the State Department's Web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current worldwide cautions, travel warnings, and travel alerts can be found.

For additional information contact Lt. Col. Andrew Schell at (210) 221-9811/DSN 471-9811 or e-mail andrew.schell@us.army.mil.