Mexico: Ongoing security operations in Monterrey

Event

Anti-crime operations by security forces have been reported in Monterrey (Nuevo Leon state) in recent days. According to local sources, additional security forces have been deployed to the city to combat drug cartels and criminal groups. Anticipate a heightened security presence (including vehicle checkpoints) and associated transportation disruptions in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented cartels are on the rise in much of the country and violence in parts of Mexico is spiraling out of control as cartels adopt increasingly militarized tactics. Business owners, journalists, politicians and candidates, and social leaders are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. Mexico's nationwide homicide rate for the first half of 2018 represents a 16.1 percent increase on 2017, which was previously the most violent year on record based on violent crime indicators.

Advice

Individuals present in Mexico are advised to remain vigilant and follow all instructions issued by local authorities.