Mexico’s President Asserts Safety Across the Country
Mexico’s President, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, boldly stated Wednesday that every corner of the country is safe enough to travel, despite the ongoing high homicide rates and turf wars between drug traffickers in some areas. He acknowledged the presence of “risks” in some regions and cities. However, he emphasized that “life remains unchanged throughout the country.” This statement’s timing came in contrast to the kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, where two of them were murdered.
Travel Advisories Issued by the US Government
The US government has issued travel advisories advising visitors to avoid six of Mexico’s 32 states altogether and reconsider traveling to seven more due to the high level of crime. This advisory came after years of the country having the highest homicide rates in recent history during the first four years of López Obrador’s government. However, there has been a slight decline in 2022.
President López Obrador Rejects Blinken’s Comment on Cartel Control
In response to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent comments, López Obrador angrily rejected the notion that the Mexican government lost control over parts of the country. Blinken stated that “I think it’s fair to say yes” when asked in the Senate if the cartels control parts of Mexico.
In Conclusion
President López Obrador’s assertion that every corner of the country is safe enough to travel to may seem optimistic despite the ongoing violence in certain areas. However, the government is working to improve the situation and has been taking measures to reduce crime rates across the country. Travelers are still advised to exercise caution in certain areas, and the US travel advisory should be taken seriously.
