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USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Should I still travel to Mexico? Security expert weighs in on updated terrorism risks
The U.S. State Department warned Americans traveling to Mexico about terrorism risks earlier this week, leaving some to wonder whether they should continue or cancel their trips. The agency updated its travel advisory on Aug. 12 for the beloved Caribbean destination to Level 2, meaning travelers should "exercise increased caution," due to violent crimes such as terrorism, crime and kidnapping. In some areas of the country, U.S. government assistance and emergency services are limited in reaching anyone who might need help. "Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery," the updated summary states. "There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico." The news may be unsettling for many Americans, given Mexico's popularity, specifically regions like Cancún, Tulúm, Cabo, Mexico City and more. In 2022, 33.5 million Americans traveled to Mexico, making it the most popular international destination that year. Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation However, travelers don't need to cancel their trips just yet. According to security expert Mike Ballard, although the travel advisory was updated, the safety landscape in Mexico remains mostly the same as it has been and travelers can still enjoy their visits as long as they keep some precautions in mind. "Ninety-nine percent of (our clients') visits have no issue, and it's probably a similar percentage for your average American that's visiting Mexico," said Ballard, who's the director of intelligence at international security firm Global Guardian. "But, you know, I would just say you want to maintain situational awareness." Here's what travelers should know about going to Mexico right now. What are the terrorism risks for travelers in Mexico? According to Ballard, the travel advisory for Mexico was likely updated following the U.S. government's recent designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations rather than an incident involving tourists. "The penalties obviously are going to be quite a bit stiffer, and it's a bigger deal to be involved and to be found guilty of aiding and abetting a terrorist organization than a drug trafficking or arms trafficking organization," he said. "So, I think this move was really to maintain consistency. If we're labeling the leading drug cartels in Mexico as terrorist organizations, then we probably should include a risk and an advisory about terrorist groups and terrorism in Mexico." The State Department did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Is it safe to travel to Mexico under the updated advisory? For the most part, yes, depending on where you go. "We're not really seeing a particular uptick (for violent crimes) in some of the tourist spots," said Ballard. Travelers should continue to keep their guard up, especially in some regions of Mexico, where violent crimes are known to occur. "You still want to avoid those areas that are hotly contested by the cartels or are under outright total control of the cartels," said Ballard. "There are certain states within Mexico that are really hot zones for this, but those typically are not your prime vacation spots." Where in Mexico should travelers avoid visiting? Mexico's most popular destinations, such as Cancún, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa del Carmen, should still be relatively safe to visit as long as you're being a smart traveler. However, there is one vacation spot people are advised to stay away from, the coastal Acapulco. "It's in one of the most dangerous states, Guerrero in Mexico, and it's not a place that I would go personally," said Ballard. The State Department designates Guerrero with a Level 4 "do not travel" advisory because of a risk of violence from drug cartels. Safety tips for Mexico Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind, according to Ballard.
Daily Mirror
07-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tourists in Paris, Rome and more are told to 'beware' of 3 common holiday scams
Europe is home to some of the most sought-after summer holiday destinations for Britons, with bustling cities and coastal hotspots aplenty in nearby France, Spain and Italy. Europe boasts some of the most coveted summer getaway spots for British holidaymakers, offering vibrant metropolises and seaside gems across neighbouring France, Spain and Italy. The European Travel Commission reports that over 400 million international tourists flocked to Europe last year, with the UK remaining amongst the top three source nations. Whilst this post-pandemic tourism boom has delivered economic advantages, it has also triggered a spike in criminal activity - Europol calculates 5.7 million reported incidents of burglary, robbery and theft continent-wide annually. British tourists find themselves particularly at risk. Global Guardian's intelligence experts caution that fraudsters deliberately single out individuals who seem distracted or unfamiliar with regional practices: "Scammers have become highly organised and adapt quickly to new trends. They often work in teams and specifically target tourists who are distracted or unfamiliar with local customs." Thriving metropolitan areas showcase exceptional culture and gastronomy, yet these popular destinations also draw criminals seeking to exploit unsuspecting visitors. Global Guardian observes that "there's an expectation" tourists will carry valuables or money in prominent sightseeing zones, from Barcelona's Las Ramblas to Rome's Colosseum, reports the Express. According to the intelligence specialists, holidaymakers who become absorbed in attractions or focused on accompanying relatives transform into "excellent targets for pickpocketing or theft. " They caution that "losing your wallet or passport can quickly turn a dream trip into a logistical nightmare" and spotlight three infamous cons that repeatedly catch out British holidaymakers. 3 tourist scams to avoid in Europe The charity scam Fraudsters masquerading as charity volunteers request that you sign a petition for a humanitarian cause. Europe For Visitors observes that this con is widespread in Paris, where operatives are typically a "gang of youths" (usually teenage girls or young women) who will approach you seeking a signature. The petition-holders may request a financial contribution alongside a signature and can be "extremely persistent" in their demands. You're likely to hand over some change just to get rid of them. While you're distracted, a partner-in-crime empties your pockets. To sidestep this trick, decline those who approach you and walk away swiftly without entertaining their appeal. The 'three-card monty' scam Global Guardian observes that this swindle is widespread near landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or Milan's Duomo. A street con artist encourages wagers on a cup-and-ball game designed for you to lose. Associates gather round to fabricate an appearance of legitimacy. When you attempt to place a wager, the ball mysteriously vanishes. If you try to reclaim their cash, they may encounter threats or aggression from the fraudster's accomplices. The bracelet scam A trickster establishes a merchandise stall near a tourist attraction to draw victims into dialogue. During this exchange, they nonchalantly fasten a bracelet or present an item as a "gift." If the victim tries to depart with the item, the fraudster insists on payment and may summon other nearby scammers to pressure the victim into paying. The bracelet scam is widespread across Europe, especially in Rome. It's a peculiar yet irritating scheme that merges friendly conversation, an inexpensive African bracelet, and a guilt trip into parting with money for it.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Where troops in Middle East are most vulnerable to Iran strikes
Tens of thousands of U.S. troops are within Iran's striking distance should President Trump decide to wade into Israel's conflict with Tehran and directly attack the country. More than 40,000 American service members and civilians — as well as billions of dollars in military equipment — are in the Middle East, spread out across bases in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Those working in countries closest to Iran, including Iraq and Kuwait, would conceivably have only minutes to prepare for an incoming Iranian strike, a likely outcome should Trump order the U.S. military to join Israel's bombing campaign, experts say. 'If [Iran] had the ballistic missiles ready to go, those strikes could happen in under 15 minutes. Launched to target,' retired Col. Seth Krummrich, vice president at security consultancy firm Global Guardian, told The Hill. 'They move very quickly.' Israel last week unleashed a barrage of airstrikes on Iran that set off the largest conflict ever between the two regional adversaries, with Tehran responding with its own attacks. The war has threatened to pull in the U.S., which says it supports Israel's right to defend itself but has not directly involved itself in the bombing. Trump has not yet decided on possible American military action against Iran, telling reporters through his top spokesperson that he would make his decision within two weeks. 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go in the next two weeks,' according to Trump's statement relayed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday. But Iran has already threatened to directly attack U.S. forces should they enter Israel's war campaign, with the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning Wednesday that 'Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.' Tehran's threats aren't idle, as the country has retaliated against Washington in the past, most notably in January 2020, when Trump in his first term ordered an airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. The strike, which happened as Soleimani traveled to Baghdad, prompted a swift response from Iran, which days later hammered Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq and another U.S. base in Erbil with 13 ballistic missiles. While no Americans were killed in the largest ballistic missile attack ever against U.S. forces abroad, more than 100 were later diagnosed and treated for traumatic brain injuries. Now, with Trump reportedly considering using the GBU-57 — known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator or so-called bunker buster bomb — to damage Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, a similar attack from Tehran could soon be at hand. 'If there was to be a U.S. attack like they dropped the big bunker buster, if that happened, then I would assume that you would see an Iranian missile strike aimed at one or multiple U.S. bases,' said Krummrich, a former Special Forces officer in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the face of such a threat, military officials move to pull valuable assets out of the bases deemed most likely to be attacked, he said, pointing to the departure of some aircraft from Al-Asad Air Base, as seen in public satellite imagery this week. He guessed that Al-Asad Air Base, where many of the roughly 2,500 U.S. service members stationed in Iraq are located, as the most likely target given its close proximity to Iran and the fact that it's been hit in the past. Iran 'would tend to not want to poke the eye' of the United Arab Emirates, where 3,500 U.S. military personnel are located, or Qatar, home of Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military site in the Middle East, Krummrich predicted. About 10,000 American forces are at Al Udeid, the regional headquarters for the U.S. Central Command (Centcom). In addition, 13,500 U.S. troops are stationed across five bases in Kuwait; 9,000 military and civilian personnel are at the Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain; and hundreds more troops are placed elsewhere on bases run by Jordan, Syria and Oman. The former head of Centcom, retired Army Gen. Joseph Votel, told The Hill that Middle East bases have protective measures built into them to reduce risk, pointing to the aircraft moved from more vulnerable installations. 'But of course, we have a lot of diplomatic facilities, we have a lot of private sector interests there that could be vulnerable as well,' said Votel, now at the Middle East Institute. 'So, there's a lot of opportunity for Iran here.' U.S. bases and those that house American troops are also at risk of being attacked by Iran-back militias in the region, like in the case when three Army soldiers were killed in a drone attack on a small U.S. outpost in Jordan in January 2024. Following Israel's strikes on Iran on June 13, three drones were shot down near Ain al-Asad air base in western Iraq, The Associated Press reported. At least four other U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria have come under fire from Tehran-supported militants since Israel's bombing campaign began, including three installations in northeastern Syria between June 14 and 15, according to local reports. Asked about the attacks, a spokesperson from U.S. Central Command would not confirm or deny whether they took place. 'We are aware of these reports but have nothing operational to provide,' they said, pointing further queries regarding the conflict between Israel and Iran to the White House. U.S. officials this week have insisted that U.S. forces are well prepared to respond to any Iranian-launched attacks, surging more firepower to the Middle East including the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group. The Pentagon also has moved refueling tanker aircraft to the nearby European theater and placed warships in the Mediterranean Sea to help shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The Nimitz is set to take over from the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, currently in the Arabian Sea to provide security for U.S. forces near the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, but the two vessels will likely overlap for several days. More covertly, the Air Force earlier this week moved a dozen F-16 fighter jets from a base in Italy to Prince Sultan, Saudi Arabia, according to Aurora Intel, which reviews open source information in the Middle East. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to say Wednesday whether he had been asked to provide Trump with military options for Tehran, saying during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that he 'wouldn't disclose that in this forum.' But he added that his job is 'to make sure the president has options, is informed of what those options might be, and what the ramifications of those options might be.' Hegseth also on Wednesday told senators that 'maximum protection' measures were in place in the region. Asked by The Hill whether the protections could adequately repel an Iranian attack, a Pentagon spokesperson referred the outlet to Hegseth's post to social platform X on June 16, when the Defense secretary announced the 'deployment of additional capabilities' to the Middle East. 'Protecting U.S. forces is our top priority and these deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region,' he said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Insanely beautiful 31C country popular with Brits named among most dangerous
Even tourist-riddled areas in this country are starting to be impacted by crime and violence, in a huge blow to UK tourists desperate for guaranteed sunshine and pristine beaches An increasingly popular tourist destination famed for its sugar-like beaches and turquoise waters has been ranked as one of the world's most dangerous countries. Lured in by huge all-inclusive resorts, a ubiquitously fascinating history, and scorching temperatures - Mexico has long been a beloved hotspot amongst UK holidaymakers. Sandwiched in between the US and Guatemala, the country witnessed a whopping 45.04 million international tourists last year, a 7.4 per cent spike compared to 2023. Whether you're a history buff dying to see the Aztec ruins, an adrenaline seeker wanting to dive with sharks, or a classic Brit wanting to chill on white sands with a good book and a margarita, there's no denying Mexico's mass appeal. But, is it actually a safe country to visit? "The drug war in Mexico is one of the most violent conflicts on the planet with cartel activity permeating through many levels of the Mexican economy and society," warns Global Guardian, who named Mexico as one of the most dangerous countries in the Americas - and in the world. "Cartel conflicts continue to drive violence across Mexico, including tourist areas previously less affected, such as Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta. "The current criminal landscape in Mexico is driven largely by the battle between the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS), though three other major transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) — Los Zetas, Gulf Cartel, and Juarez Cartel — all contribute to high levels of violence. The border regions along with Tierra Caliente, which includes parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Mexico states should be avoided, if possible." The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico - including certain areas with the State of Baja California, State of Chihuahua, State of Sinaloa, State of Tamaulipas, State of Zacatecas, State of Colima, State of Jalisco, State of Michoacán, State of Guerrero, and State of Chiapas. This is not a blanket ban on the entirety of these areas, with exemptions for the city of Chihuahua, other municipalities, roads, and border crossings. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO warns that street crime is a 'serious issue' in major cities and tourist resort areas. "Many Mexican and foreign businesses choose to hire private security," the body states. "You should: research your destination thoroughly, only travel during daylight hours when possible, monitor local media, and tell trusted contacts your travel plans." Pickpocketing and theft in Mexico are also common, while many criminals pose as police officers and try to fine or arrest you for no reason. In the past, these scams have heavily targeted travellers driving in rental cars. "Some genuine police officers have extorted money from tourists for alleged minor offences or traffic violations," the FCDO added. "If this happens do not hand over money or your passport, ask for a copy of the fine, which is payable later, ask for ID, and try to note the officer's name, badge number and patrol car number." Other warnings flagged by the FCDO include drink and food spiking, sexual assault, kidnapping, roadblocks, and unlicensed taxis assaulting passengers. While the Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations including Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, Los Cabos, and Playa del Carmen - criminals have still targeted Brits in these areas. "Rival criminal gangs have clashed in popular Cancun tourist destinations and surrounding areas," the FCDO explains. "Gangs have not targeted tourists, but violent incidents could affect anyone nearby. Since 2021, several shootings have affected tourists. Be very cautious after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Stay in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Follow advice from the local authorities and your tour operator."
The Hill
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Where US troops in Mideast are most at risk of Iran strike
The Big Story Tens of thousands of U.S. troops are within Iran's striking distance should President Trump decide to wade into Israel's conflict with Tehran and directly attack the country. © Alex Brandon, Associated Press More than 40,000 American service members and civilians — as well as billions of dollars in military equipment — are in the Middle East, spread out across bases in Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Those working in countries closest to Iran, including Iraq and Kuwait, would conceivably have only minutes to prepare for an incoming Iranian strike, a likely outcome should Trump order the U.S. military to join Israel's bombing campaign, experts say. 'If [Iran] had the ballistic missiles ready to go, those strikes could happen in under 15 minutes. Launched to target,' retired Col. Seth Krummrich, vice president at security consultancy firm Global Guardian, told The Hill. 'They move very quickly.' Israel last week unleashed a barrage of airstrikes on Iran that set off the largest conflict ever between the two regional adversaries, with Tehran responding with its own attacks. The war has threatened to pull in the U.S., which says it supports Israel's right to defend itself but has not directly involved itself in the bombing. Trump has not yet decided on possible American military action against Iran, telling reporters through his top spokesperson that he would make his decision within two weeks. But Iran has already threatened to directly attack U.S. forces should they enter Israel's war campaign, with the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warning Wednesday that 'Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage.' Tehran's threats aren't idle, as the country has retaliated against Washington in the past, most notably in January 2020, when Trump in his first term ordered an airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's elite Quds Force. The strike, which happened as Soleimani traveled to Baghdad, prompted a swift response from Iran, which days later hammered Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq and another U.S. base in Erbil with 13 ballistic missiles. While no Americans were killed in the largest ballistic missile attack ever against U.S. forces abroad, more than 100 were later diagnosed and treated for traumatic brain injuries. Now, with Trump reportedly considering using the GBU-57 — known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator or so-called bunker buster bomb — to damage Iran's Fordow nuclear enrichment facility, a similar attack from Tehran could soon be at hand. Read the full report at Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future: Trump: 'Hard' for Israel to stop strikes now President Trump said Friday it would be difficult for Israel to stop strikes on Iran at this point, a week into the intense conflict between the two nations and two weeks out from the president's decision on U.S. involvement. 'I think it's very hard to make that request right now,' he said when pressed about the Iranian foreign minister saying that the U.S. would call on Israel to stop airstrikes if Trump is serious about … Democrat: Trump 2-week Iran deadline 'not a bad thing' Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) tepidly praised President Trump on his handling of the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran, after the president said he would wait two weeks to decide whether to take direct action against Iran. 'The fact that we're not reading about a U.S. attack on Iran right now actually gives me a little bit of comfort,' the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee told independent … Israel, Iran trade strikes as Trump weighs US military involvement Israel and Iran traded strikes on Friday as President Trump weighs the possibility of U.S. involvement and European officials seek to revive nuclear negotiations with Tehran. Israel said it hit 60 Iranian aircrafts early Friday morning along with the headquarters of the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research, which carries out nuclear weapons research, according to the Associated Press. Iranian media said Israel's … On Our Radar Upcoming things we're watching on our beat: In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: DHS places new limits on lawmakers visiting ICE facilities The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is placing new limitations on lawmakers seeking to visit detention facilities, releasing guidelines in the wake of visits from Democrats that have turned confrontational. Members of Congress have the legal right to make unannounced visits to U.S. Immigration … On Tap Monday Events in and around the defense world: What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets: Trending Today Two key stories on The Hill right now: Senate parliamentarian knocks pieces out of Trump's megabill Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough has ruled that several key pieces of the massive bill to implement President Trump's agenda run afoul of … Read more Supreme Court rules against FDA, EPA 12:30 Report is The Hill's midday newsletter. 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