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State Department Warns Of Playa Del Carmen Threat Ahead Of Spring Break
Travel advisories have been issued in the wake of the discovery of an undetonated explosive device aboard a tourist ferry in the Mexican city of Playa Del Carmen.
The United States State Department has issued a warning to potential Spring Breakers about the possibility of more terrorist activity after an undetonated explosive device was found on a tourist ferry at Mexico's Playa Del Carmen.
The State Department has closed its consular office in the wake of the discovery, according to The Washington Post.
An emergency message was posted to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico website.
"On March 7, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City received information about a security threat in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Effective immediately, U.S. Government employees are prohibited from traveling to Playa del Carmen until further notice. The U.S. Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen will be closed until further notice," reads the message.
The site also offers some cautionary notes.
"Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution ... Purchase travel insurance that specifically covers you in Mexico and includes medical evacuation insurance ... Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance," the Embassy advises.
On March 8, a state department spokesperson clarified the warning.
"U.S. citizens must have as much information as possible to make informed travel decisions," said Heather Nauert said in a statement, according to CNN. "We take our obligation to provide information to US citizens seriously as evidenced by the clear, timely, and reliable safety and security information we release worldwide ... Clearly, there is a threat. We're making Americans aware of that threat so that Americans can protect their own safety and the safety of their families."
The U.S. Embassy maintains that is has received “credible information” about a threat to the city but would not specify the nature of the threat, according to The Washington Post.
The Mexican government has asserted that the city is safe.
“All tourism and economic activity in Playa del Carmen continues in a normal manner,” the state government said, according to the Associated Press.
Mexican law officials are leading the investigation into the explosive device and subsequent threat. United States officials are staying in touch with Mexican authorities on the matter.
Two weeks prior to this warning, an explosion on a tourist ferry in Playa del Carmen injured 26 people, including at least five U.S. citizens, according to The Washington Post. That situation remains under investigation.
[Photo: Getty Images]
