(Thumbnail image: Times Online)
Three U.S. citizens were gunned down by suspected drug cartels in Mexico. Mexican and U.S. officials say this is a sign the region’s long-running violence is not limited to people in the drug trade. All three victims had ties to the U.S. consulate in Juarez, considered one of the most dangerous places in the world.
“This year alone in Juarez and the surrounding area 450 people already—we’re in the middle of March—450 people have been shot—have been killed in that drug war. Last year 2,600 people—Since President Calderon began the drug war, 18,000 people have been killed in Mexico.” (MSNBC)
Officials estimate 50 people were killed in drug-related violence in the few days leading up to the shootings. Terrorism expert Brian Jenkins tells CBS that Mexico and the U.S. should consider the killings terrorism.
“These individuals that are carrying out these beheadings are doing it as a signature and to send a message intended to terrorize.”
The U.S. State Department has given the families of U.S. consulate employees permission to leave Ciudad Juarez until April 12. CNN analyst Rafael Romo says this will hurt businesses on both sides of the border.
“We’re talking about the second most important border city between Mexico and the United States. At that consulate, a quarter-of-a-million visas are processed every year. We’re talking about American companies operating in Mexico and also Mexican companies operating in the United States.”
"It's an integrated region. So, whatever happens in Juarez is also affecting El Paso, Texas."
A Latin American Herald Tribune also notes the intertwined relationship between the two nations.
"...the United States and Mexico have tightened their cooperation to combat the drug cartels.
The United States, the largest consumer of illegal drugs in the world, has admitted... responsibility in the problem of drug trafficking in Mexico."
President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued statements condemning the slayings and the U..S government has asked for a full investigation of the incident.
Writer: Chelsea Donohoe
Producer: Newsy Staff
