MONTERREY, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) — The U.S. Consulate in Monterrey, Mexico issued a new warden message on Wednesday due to recent violent attacks and after organized crime gangs blocked numerous highways entering and leaving Monterrey.

In this newest warden message, the consulate indicates there have been reports of deadly gun battles along the border as well as in many parts of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Durango.

A firefight between Mexican military and drug traffickers occurred on March 19th near the Monterrey TEC University, resulted in the deaths of two students.

Innocent bystanders were also wounded and killed in confrontations between criminals and Mexican authorities in late March in the neighborhood of San Jeronimo in Monterrey and the city of Santa Catarina, a suburb of Monterrey.

Ten students ages 8-21 were killed March 28 at a roadblock set up by criminals near Pueblo Nuevo, Durango.

Criminal elements have also recently blocked major highways and thoroughfares in Monterrey and other communities causing serious disruptions to traffic. In many cases, it has taken up to several hours to clear the blockages and reopen streets and highways.

There have been numerous confirmed reports of deadly gun battles taking place in and around the cities of Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa in the neighboring state of Tamaulipas and in small towns of Nuevo Leon that are north and east of Monterrey, the Consulate General added.

“U.S. citizens are advised to take the above information into consideration when making any decisions concerning travel through Monterrey’s consular district by road,” the message said.

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