Citing “an increased level”of gangland violence raging throughout part of the border and deep into Mexico, the U.S. State Department is now warning American travelers to take extra precautions when entering the country.

“The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted,” the department said. “While most of the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well.”

The advisory doesn’t specifically mention an one city, but it does urge American travelers to be aware of the heightened risks of drug-gang related violence in some areas.

Ciudad Juarez seems to be particularly troubling since over 1,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence so far this year, and more than 1,600 vehicles were stolen in the month of July alone.

“Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and, on occasion, grenades,” the department said.

“Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places,” the State Department warned.

via Houston Chronicle