U.S. sends new alert on travel in Chihuahua

Hey what a Surprise ! Mexico is not safe !
this is better , but stops short of what it should be ! An all out "Just don't go to Mexico " Warning !, But at least they are saying that it is not the safest place to be !El Paso Times
EL PASO -- The U.S. State Department is warning travelers about the resurgence in drug violence in the state of Chihuahua that has claimed the lives of U.S. citizens, activists and bystanders.

Americans should "exercise a high degree of caution" when in Juárez and other parts of Chihuahua, said an advisory, called a Warden Message, from the U.S. Consulate in Juárez.

"Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or who they otherwise view to be a threat to their organization, regardless of the individuals' citizenship," said the advisory, posted Friday .
The alert apparently re fers to the death of anti-kidnapping activist Benjamin LeBaron, a dual U.S.-Mexico citizen, killed two weeks ago by gunmen who took him from his home near Galeana in the northwestern part of Chihuahua.

Because of murders and kidnappings, Americans should avoid nonessential trips to that corner of Chihuahua, including the towns of Nuevo Casas Grandes, Madera and Namiquipa, whose mayor was slain last week, the consulate advised.