WorldMEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Rampant crime and gang activity in Mexico prompted the U.S. State Department on Wednesday to issue a stringent travel advisory, warning tourists to completely avoid five Mexican states, an advisory level often reserved for nations at war. The State Department’s highest “do not travel” advisory places the states of Colima, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Guerrero at the same warning level as war-ravaged Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The advisory delivered a stark reminder of the formerly ritzy seaside resort city Acapulco fall from grace. Overall, the State Department placed Mexico at the second of its four-stage travel advisory levels. “Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime ... violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread,” it said.

Source: Sunday Times January 11, 2018 04:07 UTC