U.S. issues travel advisory for Mexico

updated 10:50 a.m. ET Oct. 15, 2008

MEXICO CITY - The U.S. State Department has renewed a travel advisory warning Americans about an increase in violence in Mexico.

The alert advises Americans to be aware of rising crime and only visit legitimate business and tourist areas in Mexico. It does not recommend staying away from the country or any particular part of it.

But the alert issued Tuesday said violent crime is particularly worrisome in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas.

About 1,000 people have been killed so far this year in the city in drug-related violence. The travel alert said 1,600 cars were reported stolen in Ciudad Juarez in July alone.

More than 3,000 people have died this year across Mexico in violence blamed on organized crime and drug gangs.

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