American citizens are being caught in the middle of violent kidnappings.

by Action 4 News Staff

Posted: 04.10.2011 at 2:10 PM

Updated: 04.10.2011 at 7:05 PM

Authorities are now reporting that American citizens are being caught in the middle of violent kidnappings aboard Mexican passenger buses in northeaster Mexico.

The American Consulate issued a warning about using passenger buses in Tamaulipas following the kidnapping of U.S. citizen.

The consulate said in a warden's message issued late Friday night that it received three reports from late March to early April about passenger buses being boarded by criminals.

In one of the cases, several male passengers, including one American citizen were forcibly removed from the bus.

None of those abducted has be found.

The warning comes about after reports of bus passenger abductions led to the discovery of 72 bodies in a series of graves in San Fernando, Tamaulipas.

The American Consulate had previously issued a warning about carjackings in the San Fernando area where missionary Nancy Davis was fatally shot.

Consulate officials are now encouraging American citizens to keep the risks about the carjackings and bus passenger abductions in mind when travel in Tamaulipas.

Warden Message to Inform U.S. Citizens about the Potential Dangers of Inter-City Bus Travel in Tamaulipas.

The United States Consulate General in Matamoros advised U.S. Citizens of the potential hazards of highway travel in Tamaulipas on November 12, 2010 and re-issued the message on January 7th , 2011. The messages focused on the dangers of traveling in private vehicles. In addition to those messages, recent reports indicate that inter-city buses are increasingly being targeted by armed individuals for robbery and kidnapping.

From late March to early April, the Consulate received three reports from American Citizens or their families regarding inter-city buses being boarded by criminals. In at least one instance, male bus passengers, including an American citizen, were forcibly removed from those buses and have yet to be located. The Consulate General strongly encourages those American Citizens considering travel through Tamaulipas by bus, as well as by automobile, to keep these risks in mind.

We encourage U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register in person or by phone with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

We strongly encourage U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

For any emergencies involving American citizens in the Matamoros consular district, please call or visit the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Consulate General on Avenida Primera 2002, Col. Jardin, Matamoros, Tamaulipas; telephone (011)(52)(86 812-4402.

http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/

http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=603596