by Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter: April 18, 2008 11:30 AM PDT
Quoting anonymous federal and local officials the Mexico City newspaper El Universal, reported in Saturday's editions that Friday's bomber intended to plant the homemade device in the 12-story police headquarters but accidentally detonated it 200 yards away.
The massive explosion blew out windows in apartment buildings, damaged several cars and caused panic in the American La Rosa area of Mexico City.
El Universal identified the Sinaloa cartel, led by Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and the Beltrán Leyva brothers, as the "intellectual authors" of the botched attack.
Suspicion is that this was a type of terrorist attack by a possible suicide bomber and the dead man was the cause of the explosion. Mexico City Police Chief Joel Ortega, during a television interview late Friday, said the man killed in the blast was wearing a dress suit over a sweat suit. He said the bomber probably planned to plant the device and then take off the dress suit to fool people monitoring security cameras.
A 22-year-old woman believed to have accompanied the bomber was seriously injured in the blast and could hold the key to the investigation, Chief Ortega added.
Mexican media said the woman lived in a neighborhood awash in illegal drugs and near a Sinaloa cartel operative arrested last week by Mexico City officials.
Mexican officials was not certain that this bomb attack was a suicide attack or just a terrorist bomber. According to bomb experts suicide bomber is an attack on a military or civilian target, in which an attacker intends to kill others, knowing that he or she will either certainly or most likely die in the process. Most suicide bombers attach bomb vests to their body and detonate the bomb. This means of attack have included vehicles filled with explosives, passenger planes carrying large amounts of fuel, and individuals wearing vests filled with explosives. Synonyms include suicide-homicide bombing, martyrdom operations, predatory martyrdom. Strictly speaking, an attack may not be considered a suicide attack if the attacker is not killed (although they might hope and plan to be), or if there is some question as to whether their intention is to be killed even if the attack is certain to kill them.
A top Mexican military official has ruled out the use of soldiers to reinforce security in the Mexican capital, because he believes it was apparently a bungled attack on police headquarters by the suspected bomber who blew himself up and injured his female accomplice.
Navy Minister Francisco Saynez discounted speculation that drug gangs orchestrated the attack in response to a series of raids against them in Mexico City, which had been relatively immune from cartel violence.
"They don't attack strategic installations," Mr. Saynez told reporters after a Navy ceremony. "They use other methods."
But Arturo Yañez, who trains Mexico City detectives and has worked in federal law enforcement, said the bombing attempt looked too amateurish for sophisticated drug cartels, which have carried out surgical strikes against top law enforcement officials.
A more likely suspect is the Popular Revolutionary Army, or EPR, Mr. Yañez added.
The EPR declared a campaign against government installations last year, demanding that two of its leaders be released from federal detention. Even though federal authorities say they are not holding the two men.
In the mean time violence continues in Mexico City and to the border cities to the north. In La Jornada Local legislators have asked the governor of Baja California to urgently revise the "Public Security State System" due to the levels of violence in this border area.. Deputy Carlos Barboza pointed out that business people and non-governmental organizations complain about the increase in kidnappings in Tijuana, Juarez, Mexicali and other border towns. He added that this growing violence harms society and families. "No one is safe from its repercussions." Further, that law and order have been overwhelmed and thus it is urgent to find a solution with the participation of various sectors of society and politicians. He labeled as "alarming" the week about to end, during which there have been a number of kidnappings, shootouts and homicides.
Today in La Cronica Mexicali, three Mexican Federal Agents who had just arrived in Tijuana were kidnapped and their bodies were found at dawn yesterday by a dirt road on the outskirts of Tecate, Baja Calif.; the three had their arms tied behind their back and their heads had been wrapped with tape. They had all had been shot in the head and the empty cartridges by the bodies are of AK47 combat rifle casings.
The Chief of Police of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Juan Jose Muniz Salinas, was arrested by Mex. federal police and has been taken to Mexico City. Though not yet formally charged, his arrest is based on the belief that he was protecting the "Zetas" thugs. The police facility's radio frequencies were also believed to be compromised and are being investigated.
Sources:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FORMER BORDER PATROL OFFICERS
Dallas Morning Star
Laguna Journal
Mexican Government
Mexico City Police Dept.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Opinionnation Times: Young Girl Attacked for Anti-Illegal Immigration Sign
Mexican drug cartels and terrorist are recruiting for more fighters to train as soldiers
Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter: April 16, 2008 1:30 PM PDT
Mexican drug cartels are now advertising for young men to step up and to come and join their ranks to fight the Mexican army. The ads and banners premise those who join will make good money have food and a place to stay even while in training. "Operative group 'The Zetas' wants you, soldier or ex-soldier. We offer a good salary, food and benefits for your family. Don't suffer anymore mistreatment and don't go hungry." Photos of the banner were displayed prominently in Mexico's national media. The Journal has learned that this same type of advertising is planned for Juarez, TJ and other Mexican border cities. Mexican authorities admit cartels are training new recruits in the face of President Felipe Calderon's nationwide crackdown. Since taking office in 2006, Calderon has sent more than 30,000 troops to areas plagued by drug violence.
AP Photo: A truck, carrying Mexican army soldiers, drives past a pedestrian bridge where a giant banner was displayed
Mexican drug cartels according to recent press reports have military style training camps on and near the border with the United States. These Training camps are for military-style killers. Federal authorities say these camps have Afghanistan and other middle eastern instructors who teach the latest military fighting tactics that are utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan by the Islamic radicals that are fighting and killing American and allied troops in those countries. Mexican officials admit they know of special training camps in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Michoacan, where newly recruited Zetas take intensive six-week training courses in weapons, tactics and intelligence gathering.
Iran is believed providing at least some of the money for this recruiting and training program. The training camps are teaching hit and run gorilla technique's. Cells of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) have sent their seasoned veterans to oversee the training of the new troops and to direct the war against the Mexican government on behalf of the Mexican Cartels. Extremist cells tied to Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, and al Qaeda are operating in Mexico and pose a potential threat to U.S. businesses, military personnel, and civilians throughout the region.
Trained fighters from al-Qaida, Hizballah (Party of God) Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been seen in Mexico and theKirkurk police academy recruits march in platoons numbering around 50 to various stations where they will conduct two hours of calisthenics daily. Pic SSG Margaret Nelson.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported cells from these terrorist organizations are believed here in the U.S. as well. According to a well placed CIA operative.
Just last year the Washington Times reported Fort Huachuca, the nation's largest intelligence-training center, changed security measures in May after being warned that Islamist terrorists, with the aid of Mexican drug cartels, were planning an attack on the facility. Fort officials changed security measures after sources warned that possibly 60 Afghan and Iraqi terrorists were to be smuggled into the U.S. through underground tunnels with high-powered weapons to attack the Arizona Army base, according to multiple confidential law enforcement documents obtained by The Washington Times.
The El Paso Journal has been told by an anonymous caller who claims to be an Lt. of a Mexican cartel said in advance, "that the Mexican drug cartels would be advertising for recruits to train as cartel soldiers to fight the Mexican army which has been sent to the border with the U.S. to extinguish the Mexican drug cartels". Just today a week or so since he made the predictions banners where string across a main artery in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico advertising for recruits. He also said they would be advertising on the internet which has also happened. His predictions have been accurate so far. He told of the Mexican army coming to each border town before they did. The Journal has not reported any of his predictions to date without confirmation from other independent unrelated and reliable sources.
The Mexican government first realized that Islamic radical militants were already starting to infiltrate the country in statements by high-ranking Mexican officials prior to and following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks indicated "that Islamic extremist organizations has sought to establish a presence in Mexico".
Former Mexican national security adviser and ambassador to the United Nations, Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, stated, that “Spanish and Islamic terrorist groups are using Mexico as a refuge… In light of this situation, there are continuing investigations aimed at dismantling these groups so that they may not cause problems". He also mentioned that the terrorist groups in question are located in the northern part of the country. “Islamic people” in Mexico sparked speculation among observers that the Lebanese Shi’ite terrorist organization Hizbollah have established cells in Mexico.
Remarks made by Mexican public officials indicate the real possibility that al Qaeda cells are present in Mexico and could potentially attempt to cross the U.S. southwest border to conduct additional attacks.
The former director of Mexico’s Center for Intelligence and National Security (Centro de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional—Cisen), Eduardo Medina Mora, remarked that the possibility of an al Qaeda attack against the United States launched from Mexico “could not be ruled out.”
National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion—INM) official Felipe Urbiola Ledezma made more alarming statements during remarks to the press, Urbiola said, “We have in Mexico people linked to terrorism and we are constantly observing unusual immigration flows…[people connected to] ETA, Hizbollah and even some with links to Usama Bin Laden.”
Other terrorist and criminal groups are in Mexico including the Russian mafia groups such as the Poldolskaya, Mazukinskaya, Tambovskaya, and Izamailovskaya have been detected in Mexico. The Moscow-based Solntsevskaya gang is also reported to be present in the country, as are other mafia gangs from Chechnya, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania, Poland Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Albania, and Rumania. Their major activities include drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien smuggling, kidnapping, and credit card fraud.
Reforma a leading Mexican newspaper reported that U.S. intelligence agencies had detected a partnership between the Tijuana-based Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO) and Russian mafia groups based in southern California. In a separate story, Reforma reported that members of the former KGB-affiliated Kurganskaya group in San Diego had met with AFO operative Humberto Rodríguez Banuelos.
Reforma reported that for at least the last ten years the Russian mafia was supplying Mexican drug traffickers with radars, automatic weapons, grenade launchers, and small submersibles in exchange for cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. It cited a 1996 sting operation in which undercover DEA agents posing as Russian mafia members sold Carillo Fuentes operatives 300 AK-47s and ammunition in Costa Rica.
Even ten years ago, ten Russians, including four known members of the Russian mafia, were arrested at Mexico City’s international airport when they arrived on a KLM flight from Amsterdam. The mafia members included Aleksandr Zakharov, one of the leaders of the Moscow mafia and founder of the Uralinvest, known to have a principal role in organized crime in Russia. Another detainee was Nicolay Novikov, a Uralinvest director who had been imprisoned on three previous occasions for arms trafficking. A third was Yevgeniy Sazhayev, who had been arrested on two previous occasions for drug trafficking. The fourth was Vladimir Titov, wanted for various assassinations and who had escaped from several Russian prisons with the help of the mafia. The four men, who were traveling with six women, were apparently en route to Acapulco and Cancún. The group was reportedly deported. The Interpol head in Mexico, Juan Manuel Ponce, corroborated accounts that the group had been carrying arms and a substantial amount of cash.
According to Mexican analyst Jorge Fernández Méndez, the Russian mafia bosses had come to Mexico in order to mediate in the gang war being fought between the CFO and various other groups for control of drug trafficking routes through Mexico in the wake of the death of Alejandro Paez.
It is well known that the Russian mafia is deeply entrenched in the criminal fabric of the Mexican drug cartels and still today plays an important roll in providing guns and other weapons to the cartels and are purveyors of, drug smuggling, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien and terrorist smuggling, and kidnappings for ransom.
"Baja California is registering an unstoppable wave of kidnappings and its gravity keeps local citizens terrified because the criminal gangs operate with impunity and even act with hostility to inspire panic." The state's A.G. said that 36 kidnappings have taken place this year but an attorney with the "Association of Hope Against Forced Disappearances" said that there are more cases and that they are not reported so that the people may not realize the scope of the problem. An estimate concludes that eight of of ten kidnappings are unreported because many people opt for silence due to fear of reprisals and lack of trust in officialdom.And elsewhere, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, tallied twelve reports of kidnappings in March including that of two police officers.
The self proclaimed Mexican drug cartel Lt. says," that we will be offering Mexican soldiers very attractive pay packages and other benefits to cross over and go to work for us". He told the journal we can look for that new development to be happening soon. He also predicts that "active current duty Mexican soldiers and Mexican Federal Police officers will be killed by well armed and trained cartel soldiers".
Sources:
A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF NARCOTICS-FUNDED TERRORIST AND OTHER EXTREMIST GROUPS
A Report Prepared by the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress under an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Defense.
Hundreds being rounded- up and many Arrested in Juarez Mexico
The U.S. placed Mexico under a travel alert As Thousands of Armed Mexican Troops Patrol the Streets of Juarez
Linking of drug cartels on the Texas border with Middle East terrorist
President Bush's top intelligence aide has confirmed that Iraqi terrorists have been captured coming into the United States from Mexico
Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico
They're known as "Los Zetas
Reforma Reforma Mexico City Newspaper.
Library of Congress Federal Research Division: Terrorism and Crime ...
www.cnn.com
www.lagunajournal.com
www.limeshine.com
http://bajasur.craigslist.com.mx/lab/604707210
Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter: April 16, 2008 1:30 PM PDT
Mexican drug cartels are now advertising for young men to step up and to come and join their ranks to fight the Mexican army. The ads and banners premise those who join will make good money have food and a place to stay even while in training. "Operative group 'The Zetas' wants you, soldier or ex-soldier. We offer a good salary, food and benefits for your family. Don't suffer anymore mistreatment and don't go hungry." Photos of the banner were displayed prominently in Mexico's national media. The Journal has learned that this same type of advertising is planned for Juarez, TJ and other Mexican border cities. Mexican authorities admit cartels are training new recruits in the face of President Felipe Calderon's nationwide crackdown. Since taking office in 2006, Calderon has sent more than 30,000 troops to areas plagued by drug violence.
AP Photo: A truck, carrying Mexican army soldiers, drives past a pedestrian bridge where a giant banner was displayed
Mexican drug cartels according to recent press reports have military style training camps on and near the border with the United States. These Training camps are for military-style killers. Federal authorities say these camps have Afghanistan and other middle eastern instructors who teach the latest military fighting tactics that are utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan by the Islamic radicals that are fighting and killing American and allied troops in those countries. Mexican officials admit they know of special training camps in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Michoacan, where newly recruited Zetas take intensive six-week training courses in weapons, tactics and intelligence gathering.
Iran is believed providing at least some of the money for this recruiting and training program. The training camps are teaching hit and run gorilla technique's. Cells of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) have sent their seasoned veterans to oversee the training of the new troops and to direct the war against the Mexican government on behalf of the Mexican Cartels. Extremist cells tied to Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, and al Qaeda are operating in Mexico and pose a potential threat to U.S. businesses, military personnel, and civilians throughout the region.
Trained fighters from al-Qaida, Hizballah (Party of God) Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been seen in Mexico and theKirkurk police academy recruits march in platoons numbering around 50 to various stations where they will conduct two hours of calisthenics daily. Pic SSG Margaret Nelson.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported cells from these terrorist organizations are believed here in the U.S. as well. According to a well placed CIA operative.
Just last year the Washington Times reported Fort Huachuca, the nation's largest intelligence-training center, changed security measures in May after being warned that Islamist terrorists, with the aid of Mexican drug cartels, were planning an attack on the facility. Fort officials changed security measures after sources warned that possibly 60 Afghan and Iraqi terrorists were to be smuggled into the U.S. through underground tunnels with high-powered weapons to attack the Arizona Army base, according to multiple confidential law enforcement documents obtained by The Washington Times.
The El Paso Journal has been told by an anonymous caller who claims to be an Lt. of a Mexican cartel said in advance, "that the Mexican drug cartels would be advertising for recruits to train as cartel soldiers to fight the Mexican army which has been sent to the border with the U.S. to extinguish the Mexican drug cartels". Just today a week or so since he made the predictions banners where string across a main artery in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico advertising for recruits. He also said they would be advertising on the internet which has also happened. His predictions have been accurate so far. He told of the Mexican army coming to each border town before they did. The Journal has not reported any of his predictions to date without confirmation from other independent unrelated and reliable sources.
The Mexican government first realized that Islamic radical militants were already starting to infiltrate the country in statements by high-ranking Mexican officials prior to and following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks indicated "that Islamic extremist organizations has sought to establish a presence in Mexico".
Former Mexican national security adviser and ambassador to the United Nations, Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, stated, that “Spanish and Islamic terrorist groups are using Mexico as a refuge… In light of this situation, there are continuing investigations aimed at dismantling these groups so that they may not cause problems". He also mentioned that the terrorist groups in question are located in the northern part of the country. “Islamic people” in Mexico sparked speculation among observers that the Lebanese Shi’ite terrorist organization Hizbollah have established cells in Mexico.
Remarks made by Mexican public officials indicate the real possibility that al Qaeda cells are present in Mexico and could potentially attempt to cross the U.S. southwest border to conduct additional attacks.
The former director of Mexico’s Center for Intelligence and National Security (Centro de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional—Cisen), Eduardo Medina Mora, remarked that the possibility of an al Qaeda attack against the United States launched from Mexico “could not be ruled out.”
National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion—INM) official Felipe Urbiola Ledezma made more alarming statements during remarks to the press, Urbiola said, “We have in Mexico people linked to terrorism and we are constantly observing unusual immigration flows…[people connected to] ETA, Hizbollah and even some with links to Usama Bin Laden.”
Other terrorist and criminal groups are in Mexico including the Russian mafia groups such as the Poldolskaya, Mazukinskaya, Tambovskaya, and Izamailovskaya have been detected in Mexico. The Moscow-based Solntsevskaya gang is also reported to be present in the country, as are other mafia gangs from Chechnya, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania, Poland Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Albania, and Rumania. Their major activities include drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien smuggling, kidnapping, and credit card fraud.
Reforma a leading Mexican newspaper reported that U.S. intelligence agencies had detected a partnership between the Tijuana-based Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO) and Russian mafia groups based in southern California. In a separate story, Reforma reported that members of the former KGB-affiliated Kurganskaya group in San Diego had met with AFO operative Humberto Rodríguez Banuelos.
Reforma reported that for at least the last ten years the Russian mafia was supplying Mexican drug traffickers with radars, automatic weapons, grenade launchers, and small submersibles in exchange for cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. It cited a 1996 sting operation in which undercover DEA agents posing as Russian mafia members sold Carillo Fuentes operatives 300 AK-47s and ammunition in Costa Rica.
Even ten years ago, ten Russians, including four known members of the Russian mafia, were arrested at Mexico City’s international airport when they arrived on a KLM flight from Amsterdam. The mafia members included Aleksandr Zakharov, one of the leaders of the Moscow mafia and founder of the Uralinvest, known to have a principal role in organized crime in Russia. Another detainee was Nicolay Novikov, a Uralinvest director who had been imprisoned on three previous occasions for arms trafficking. A third was Yevgeniy Sazhayev, who had been arrested on two previous occasions for drug trafficking. The fourth was Vladimir Titov, wanted for various assassinations and who had escaped from several Russian prisons with the help of the mafia. The four men, who were traveling with six women, were apparently en route to Acapulco and Cancún. The group was reportedly deported. The Interpol head in Mexico, Juan Manuel Ponce, corroborated accounts that the group had been carrying arms and a substantial amount of cash.
According to Mexican analyst Jorge Fernández Méndez, the Russian mafia bosses had come to Mexico in order to mediate in the gang war being fought between the CFO and various other groups for control of drug trafficking routes through Mexico in the wake of the death of Alejandro Paez.
It is well known that the Russian mafia is deeply entrenched in the criminal fabric of the Mexican drug cartels and still today plays an important roll in providing guns and other weapons to the cartels and are purveyors of, drug smuggling, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien and terrorist smuggling, and kidnappings for ransom.
"Baja California is registering an unstoppable wave of kidnappings and its gravity keeps local citizens terrified because the criminal gangs operate with impunity and even act with hostility to inspire panic." The state's A.G. said that 36 kidnappings have taken place this year but an attorney with the "Association of Hope Against Forced Disappearances" said that there are more cases and that they are not reported so that the people may not realize the scope of the problem. An estimate concludes that eight of of ten kidnappings are unreported because many people opt for silence due to fear of reprisals and lack of trust in officialdom.And elsewhere, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, tallied twelve reports of kidnappings in March including that of two police officers.
The self proclaimed Mexican drug cartel Lt. says," that we will be offering Mexican soldiers very attractive pay packages and other benefits to cross over and go to work for us". He told the journal we can look for that new development to be happening soon. He also predicts that "active current duty Mexican soldiers and Mexican Federal Police officers will be killed by well armed and trained cartel soldiers".
Sources:
A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF NARCOTICS-FUNDED TERRORIST AND OTHER EXTREMIST GROUPS
A Report Prepared by the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress under an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Defense.
Hundreds being rounded- up and many Arrested in Juarez Mexico
The U.S. placed Mexico under a travel alert As Thousands of Armed Mexican Troops Patrol the Streets of Juarez
Linking of drug cartels on the Texas border with Middle East terrorist
President Bush's top intelligence aide has confirmed that Iraqi terrorists have been captured coming into the United States from Mexico
Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico
They're known as "Los Zetas
Reforma Reforma Mexico City Newspaper.
Library of Congress Federal Research Division: Terrorism and Crime ...
www.cnn.com
www.lagunajournal.com
www.limeshine.com
http://bajasur.craigslist.com.mx/lab/604707210
U.S. State Department only up-graded Travel alert to Mexico
Michael Webster: Investigative Reporter: April 14, 2008 6:00 PM PDT
As of April 14, 2008 The U.S. Department of State issues new travel alert for Mexico. According to the U.S. Government violence Along the U.S.-Mexico Border is on the rise.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs says “Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways”.
The alert warns Americans that armed robberies and carjackings may not be connected to the Mexican cartels, and is apparently unconnected to the narcotics-related violence. This new type of Mexican Violence has increased in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped, held hostage and killed by their captors in Mexico and many cases remain unsolved. Moreover, new cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported.
From Brownsville Texas to San Diego California the State Department has alerted Americans of the dangers of crossing the border.
This reporter has reported in the Borderfire Report among other on-line and print publications revealed that kidnapping of American citizens along the border with Mexico are being held in holding areas and it's carried out in a 4 prong manner, locator's, abductors, transporters, and holders. It's very hard to kill a 4 headed snake. The number of kidnappings has risen each year for the last 3 years.
In other cases Mexican cartels through there enforcers of Mexican and American gangs order smaller American gangs to kidnap and in some cases murder Americans.
"U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk posed by the deteriorating security situation, along the border" said a statement issued in Mexico City and Washington. "Violent criminal activity, including murder and kidnapping, in Mexico's northern border region has increased."
New cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Criminals have been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles including motors homes and travel trailers, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Reynosa, Juarez, Mexicali, Tijuana and most all border towns.
Dozens of U.S. citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered in Tijuana in 2007. Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas. See Why not a Warning for Mexico travel or at least an up-grade to the existing alert?
The alert goes on to say “Recent Mexican army and police force conflicts with heavily-armed narcotics cartels have escalated to levels equivalent to military small-unit combat and have included use of machine guns and fragmentation grenades. Confrontations have taken place in numerous towns and cities in northern Mexico, including Tijuana in the Mexican state of Baja California, and Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez in the state of Chihuahua. The situation in northern Mexico remains very fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements there cannot be predicted”. Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas in many Mexican border towns.
I reported last month and asked the questions why the U.S. Government has not issued a new travel warning or even an up-grade on its existing alert. Now the U.S has up-graded, the questions are why not raise the alert to a warning status and protect Americans and warn them to not travel in Mexico. At least until some or all the violence stops and it is safe again to travel in Mexico. Many travelers believe if this same thing was happening in any other country there would be a warning issued. Why not Mexico?
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza, who was in Juárez April 4 to assess the situation, said U.S. tourists are not being asked to avoid traveling in Mexico. However, they are advised to use caution and to cooperate with official checkpoints on Mexican roads.
State Department officials said there was no evidence that U.S. citizens were being targeted.
Though State Department officials updated the travel alert for Mexico, they did not upgrade it to a more serious "travel warning," which is reserved for long-term conditions, Garza said.
Even though many Mexican cities on the U.S. Border and elsewhere in Mexico is under siege. The question is why not. Mexico is now one of the most dangerous countries in the world. And it is our neighbor to the south with a population nearing 100 million people. Our government admits Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. How are American travelers expected to be able to distinguish between the real Mexican army at the road blocks and the criminals?
U.S. citizens are urged to be especially alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. While Mexican citizens overwhelmingly are the victims of these crimes, this uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well. Thousands of U.S. citizens cross the border safely each day, exercising common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas of border towns during daylight hours. It is strongly recommended that travelers avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing occur.
Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Juarez and Tijuana.
The State Department Claims “there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are targeted because of their nationality. A border patrol agent who prefers to not be named and who is familiar with the U.S. Mexican border says Americans are targeted by Mexican bandits and other Mexican criminals because they are American and are believed to have money with them”. The State department says if you do become a victim of crime while your in Mexico and remember this is after the fact are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.
23 year old American from El Paso Kyle Mostello Belanger- Believed Missing in Juarez Mexico
Born in Tenn. 23 year old American from El Paso Kyle Mostello Belanger- believed missing in Juarez Mexico. Close friends and relatives believe he was a soldier for the El Paso Barrio Azteca gang. The real question here, was Kyle kidnapped taken to Juarez and murdered as some believe? See Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico
The State Department does warn U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and rural, including border areas. Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. U.S. citizens who believe they are being followed should notify Mexican officials as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone as a means to better ensure their safety. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. Some deaths occurred during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who died in the 2006 violence in Oaxaca. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
Consulates:Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.
Consular Agencies:
Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566. Cancún: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.Ciudad Acuña: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.Mazatlán: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.Piedras Negras: Prol. General Cepeda no. 1900, Fraccionamiento Privada Blanca, telephone (52) (878) 785-1986.Playa del Carmen: “The Palapa,” Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331San Luis Potosí: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.
As of April 14, 2008 The U.S. Department of State issues new travel alert for Mexico. According to the U.S. Government violence Along the U.S.-Mexico Border is on the rise.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs says “Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Attacks are aimed primarily at members of drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces, criminal justice officials, and journalists. However, foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways”.
The alert warns Americans that armed robberies and carjackings may not be connected to the Mexican cartels, and is apparently unconnected to the narcotics-related violence. This new type of Mexican Violence has increased in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped, held hostage and killed by their captors in Mexico and many cases remain unsolved. Moreover, new cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported.
From Brownsville Texas to San Diego California the State Department has alerted Americans of the dangers of crossing the border.
This reporter has reported in the Borderfire Report among other on-line and print publications revealed that kidnapping of American citizens along the border with Mexico are being held in holding areas and it's carried out in a 4 prong manner, locator's, abductors, transporters, and holders. It's very hard to kill a 4 headed snake. The number of kidnappings has risen each year for the last 3 years.
In other cases Mexican cartels through there enforcers of Mexican and American gangs order smaller American gangs to kidnap and in some cases murder Americans.
"U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk posed by the deteriorating security situation, along the border" said a statement issued in Mexico City and Washington. "Violent criminal activity, including murder and kidnapping, in Mexico's northern border region has increased."
New cases of disappearances and kidnap-for-ransom continue to be reported. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. Criminals have been known to follow and harass U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles including motors homes and travel trailers, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Reynosa, Juarez, Mexicali, Tijuana and most all border towns.
Dozens of U.S. citizens were kidnapped and/or murdered in Tijuana in 2007. Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas. See Why not a Warning for Mexico travel or at least an up-grade to the existing alert?
The alert goes on to say “Recent Mexican army and police force conflicts with heavily-armed narcotics cartels have escalated to levels equivalent to military small-unit combat and have included use of machine guns and fragmentation grenades. Confrontations have taken place in numerous towns and cities in northern Mexico, including Tijuana in the Mexican state of Baja California, and Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez in the state of Chihuahua. The situation in northern Mexico remains very fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements there cannot be predicted”. Public shootouts have occurred during daylight hours near shopping areas in many Mexican border towns.
I reported last month and asked the questions why the U.S. Government has not issued a new travel warning or even an up-grade on its existing alert. Now the U.S has up-graded, the questions are why not raise the alert to a warning status and protect Americans and warn them to not travel in Mexico. At least until some or all the violence stops and it is safe again to travel in Mexico. Many travelers believe if this same thing was happening in any other country there would be a warning issued. Why not Mexico?
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza, who was in Juárez April 4 to assess the situation, said U.S. tourists are not being asked to avoid traveling in Mexico. However, they are advised to use caution and to cooperate with official checkpoints on Mexican roads.
State Department officials said there was no evidence that U.S. citizens were being targeted.
Though State Department officials updated the travel alert for Mexico, they did not upgrade it to a more serious "travel warning," which is reserved for long-term conditions, Garza said.
Even though many Mexican cities on the U.S. Border and elsewhere in Mexico is under siege. The question is why not. Mexico is now one of the most dangerous countries in the world. And it is our neighbor to the south with a population nearing 100 million people. Our government admits Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. How are American travelers expected to be able to distinguish between the real Mexican army at the road blocks and the criminals?
U.S. citizens are urged to be especially alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. While Mexican citizens overwhelmingly are the victims of these crimes, this uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well. Thousands of U.S. citizens cross the border safely each day, exercising common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas of border towns during daylight hours. It is strongly recommended that travelers avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing occur.
Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles, particularly in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Juarez and Tijuana.
The State Department Claims “there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are targeted because of their nationality. A border patrol agent who prefers to not be named and who is familiar with the U.S. Mexican border says Americans are targeted by Mexican bandits and other Mexican criminals because they are American and are believed to have money with them”. The State department says if you do become a victim of crime while your in Mexico and remember this is after the fact are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance.
23 year old American from El Paso Kyle Mostello Belanger- Believed Missing in Juarez Mexico
Born in Tenn. 23 year old American from El Paso Kyle Mostello Belanger- believed missing in Juarez Mexico. Close friends and relatives believe he was a soldier for the El Paso Barrio Azteca gang. The real question here, was Kyle kidnapped taken to Juarez and murdered as some believe? See Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico
The State Department does warn U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and rural, including border areas. Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. No one can be considered immune from kidnapping on the basis of occupation, nationality, or other factors. U.S. citizens who believe they are being followed should notify Mexican officials as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. It is preferable for U.S. citizens to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone as a means to better ensure their safety. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence unexpectedly. Some deaths occurred during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who died in the 2006 violence in Oaxaca. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
Consulates:Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone (52)(656) 611-3000.Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100.Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500.Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402.Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 345-2120.Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150.Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512.Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.
Consular Agencies:
Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566. Cancún: Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.Ciudad Acuña: Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.Mazatlán: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.Piedras Negras: Prol. General Cepeda no. 1900, Fraccionamiento Privada Blanca, telephone (52) (878) 785-1986.Playa del Carmen: “The Palapa,” Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331San Luis Potosí: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.
Mexican drug cartels and terrorist are recruiting for more fighters to train as soldiers
Mexican drug cartels are now advertising for young men to step up and to come and join their ranks to fight the Mexican army. The ads and banners premise those who join will make good money have food and a place to stay even while in training. "Operative group 'The Zetas' wants you, soldier or ex-soldier. We offer a good salary, food and benefits for your family. Don't suffer anymore mistreatment and don't go hungry." Photos of the banner were displayed prominently in Mexico's national media. The Journal has learned that this same type of advertising is planned for Juarez, TJ and other Mexican border cities. Mexican authorities admit cartels are training new recruits in the face of President Felipe Calderon's nationwide crackdown. Since taking office in 2006, Calderon has sent more than 30,000 troops to areas plagued by drug violence.
AP Photo: A truck, carrying Mexican army soldiers, drives past a pedestrian bridge where a giant banner was displayed
Mexican drug cartels according to recent press reports have military style training camps on and near the border with the United States. These Training camps are for military-style killers. Federal authorities say these camps have Afghanistan and other middle eastern instructors who teach the latest military fighting tactics that are utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan by the Islamic radicals that are fighting and killing American and allied troops in those countries. Mexican officials admit they know of special training camps in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Michoacan, where newly recruited Zetas take intensive six-week training courses in weapons, tactics and intelligence gathering.
Iran is believed providing at least some of the money for this recruiting and training program. The training camps are teaching hit and run gorilla technique's. Cells of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) have sent their seasoned veterans to oversee the training of the new troops and to direct the war against the Mexican government on behalf of the Mexican Cartels. Extremist cells tied to Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, and al Qaeda are operating in Mexico and pose a potential threat to U.S. businesses, military personnel, and civilians throughout the region.
Trained fighters from al-Qaida, Hizballah (Party of God) Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been seen in Mexico and theKirkurk police academy recruits march in platoons numbering around 50 to various stations where they will conduct two hours of calisthenics daily. Pic SSG Margaret Nelson.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported cells from these terrorist organizations are believed here in the U.S. as well. According to a well placed CIA operative.
Just last year the Washington Times reported Fort Huachuca, the nation's largest intelligence-training center, changed security measures in May after being warned that Islamist terrorists, with the aid of Mexican drug cartels, were planning an attack on the facility. Fort officials changed security measures after sources warned that possibly 60 Afghan and Iraqi terrorists were to be smuggled into the U.S. through underground tunnels with high-powered weapons to attack the Arizona Army base, according to multiple confidential law enforcement documents obtained by The Washington Times.
The El Paso Journal has been told by an anonymous caller who claims to be an Lt. of a Mexican cartel said in advance, "that the Mexican drug cartels would be advertising for recruits to train as cartel soldiers to fight the Mexican army which has been sent to the border with the U.S. to extinguish the Mexican drug cartels". Just today a week or so since he made the predictions banners where string across a main artery in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico advertising for recruits. He also said they would be advertising on the internet which has also happened. His predictions have been accurate so far. He told of the Mexican army coming to each border town before they did. The Journal has not reported any of his predictions to date without confirmation from other independent unrelated and reliable sources.
The Mexican government first realized that Islamic radical militants were already starting to infiltrate the country in statements by high-ranking Mexican officials prior to and following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks indicated "that Islamic extremist organizations has sought to establish a presence in Mexico".
Former Mexican national security adviser and ambassador to the United Nations, Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, stated, that “Spanish and Islamic terrorist groups are using Mexico as a refuge… In light of this situation, there are continuing investigations aimed at dismantling these groups so that they may not cause problems". He also mentioned that the terrorist groups in question are located in the northern part of the country. “Islamic people” in Mexico sparked speculation among observers that the Lebanese Shi’ite terrorist organization Hizbollah have established cells in Mexico.
Remarks made by Mexican public officials indicate the real possibility that al Qaeda cells are present in Mexico and could potentially attempt to cross the U.S. southwest border to conduct additional attacks.
The former director of Mexico’s Center for Intelligence and National Security (Centro de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional—Cisen), Eduardo Medina Mora, remarked that the possibility of an al Qaeda attack against the United States launched from Mexico “could not be ruled out.”
National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion—INM) official Felipe Urbiola Ledezma made more alarming statements during remarks to the press, Urbiola said, “We have in Mexico people linked to terrorism and we are constantly observing unusual immigration flows…[people connected to] ETA, Hizbollah and even some with links to Usama Bin Laden.”
Other terrorist and criminal groups are in Mexico including the Russian mafia groups such as the Poldolskaya, Mazukinskaya, Tambovskaya, and Izamailovskaya have been detected in Mexico. The Moscow-based Solntsevskaya gang is also reported to be present in the country, as are other mafia gangs from Chechnya, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania, Poland Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Albania, and Rumania. Their major activities include drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien smuggling, kidnapping, and credit card fraud.
Reforma a leading Mexican newspaper reported that U.S. intelligence agencies had detected a partnership between the Tijuana-based Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO) and Russian mafia groups based in southern California. In a separate story, Reforma reported that members of the former KGB-affiliated Kurganskaya group in San Diego had met with AFO operative Humberto Rodríguez Banuelos.
Reforma reported that for at least the last ten years the Russian mafia was supplying Mexican drug traffickers with radars, automatic weapons, grenade launchers, and small submersibles in exchange for cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. It cited a 1996 sting operation in which undercover DEA agents posing as Russian mafia members sold Carillo Fuentes operatives 300 AK-47s and ammunition in Costa Rica.
Even ten years ago, ten Russians, including four known members of the Russian mafia, were arrested at Mexico City’s international airport when they arrived on a KLM flight from Amsterdam. The mafia members included Aleksandr Zakharov, one of the leaders of the Moscow mafia and founder of the Uralinvest, known to have a principal role in organized crime in Russia. Another detainee was Nicolay Novikov, a Uralinvest director who had been imprisoned on three previous occasions for arms trafficking. A third was Yevgeniy Sazhayev, who had been arrested on two previous occasions for drug trafficking. The fourth was Vladimir Titov, wanted for various assassinations and who had escaped from several Russian prisons with the help of the mafia. The four men, who were traveling with six women, were apparently en route to Acapulco and Cancún. The group was reportedly deported. The Interpol head in Mexico, Juan Manuel Ponce, corroborated accounts that the group had been carrying arms and a substantial amount of cash.
According to Mexican analyst Jorge Fernández Méndez, the Russian mafia bosses had come to Mexico in order to mediate in the gang war being fought between the CFO and various other groups for control of drug trafficking routes through Mexico in the wake of the death of Alejandro Paez.
It is well known that the Russian mafia is deeply entrenched in the criminal fabric of the Mexican drug cartels and still today plays an important roll in providing guns and other weapons to the cartels and are purveyors of, drug smuggling, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien and terrorist smuggling, and kidnappings for ransom.
"Baja California is registering an unstoppable wave of kidnappings and its gravity keeps local citizens terrified because the criminal gangs operate with impunity and even act with hostility to inspire panic." The state's A.G. said that 36 kidnappings have taken place this year but an attorney with the "Association of Hope Against Forced Disappearances" said that there are more cases and that they are not reported so that the people may not realize the scope of the problem. An estimate concludes that eight of of ten kidnappings are unreported because many people opt for silence due to fear of reprisals and lack of trust in officialdom.And elsewhere, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, tallied twelve reports of kidnappings in March including that of two police officers.
The self proclaimed Mexican drug cartel Lt. says," that we will be offering Mexican soldiers very attractive pay packages and other benefits to cross over and go to work for us". He told the journal we can look for that new development to be happening soon. He also predicts that "active current duty Mexican soldiers and Mexican Federal Police officers will be killed by well armed and trained cartel soldiers".
Google these Sources:
A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF NARCOTICS-FUNDED TERRORIST AND OTHER EXTREMIST GROUPS
A Report Prepared by the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress under an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Defense.
Hundreds being rounded- up and many Arrested in Juarez Mexico
The U.S. placed Mexico under a travel alert As Thousands of Armed Mexican Troops Patrol the Streets of Juarez
Linking of drug cartels on the Texas border with Middle East terrorist
President Bush's top intelligence aide has confirmed that Iraqi terrorists have been captured coming into the United States from Mexico
Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico
They're known as "Los Zetas
Reforma Reforma Mexico
AP Photo: A truck, carrying Mexican army soldiers, drives past a pedestrian bridge where a giant banner was displayed
Mexican drug cartels according to recent press reports have military style training camps on and near the border with the United States. These Training camps are for military-style killers. Federal authorities say these camps have Afghanistan and other middle eastern instructors who teach the latest military fighting tactics that are utilized in Iraq and Afghanistan by the Islamic radicals that are fighting and killing American and allied troops in those countries. Mexican officials admit they know of special training camps in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas and Michoacan, where newly recruited Zetas take intensive six-week training courses in weapons, tactics and intelligence gathering.
Iran is believed providing at least some of the money for this recruiting and training program. The training camps are teaching hit and run gorilla technique's. Cells of Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) have sent their seasoned veterans to oversee the training of the new troops and to direct the war against the Mexican government on behalf of the Mexican Cartels. Extremist cells tied to Hizballah, Islamic Jihad, and al Qaeda are operating in Mexico and pose a potential threat to U.S. businesses, military personnel, and civilians throughout the region.
Trained fighters from al-Qaida, Hizballah (Party of God) Hamas (Islamic Resistance Movement) and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been seen in Mexico and theKirkurk police academy recruits march in platoons numbering around 50 to various stations where they will conduct two hours of calisthenics daily. Pic SSG Margaret Nelson.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported cells from these terrorist organizations are believed here in the U.S. as well. According to a well placed CIA operative.
Just last year the Washington Times reported Fort Huachuca, the nation's largest intelligence-training center, changed security measures in May after being warned that Islamist terrorists, with the aid of Mexican drug cartels, were planning an attack on the facility. Fort officials changed security measures after sources warned that possibly 60 Afghan and Iraqi terrorists were to be smuggled into the U.S. through underground tunnels with high-powered weapons to attack the Arizona Army base, according to multiple confidential law enforcement documents obtained by The Washington Times.
The El Paso Journal has been told by an anonymous caller who claims to be an Lt. of a Mexican cartel said in advance, "that the Mexican drug cartels would be advertising for recruits to train as cartel soldiers to fight the Mexican army which has been sent to the border with the U.S. to extinguish the Mexican drug cartels". Just today a week or so since he made the predictions banners where string across a main artery in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico advertising for recruits. He also said they would be advertising on the internet which has also happened. His predictions have been accurate so far. He told of the Mexican army coming to each border town before they did. The Journal has not reported any of his predictions to date without confirmation from other independent unrelated and reliable sources.
The Mexican government first realized that Islamic radical militants were already starting to infiltrate the country in statements by high-ranking Mexican officials prior to and following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks indicated "that Islamic extremist organizations has sought to establish a presence in Mexico".
Former Mexican national security adviser and ambassador to the United Nations, Adolfo Aguilar Zinser, stated, that “Spanish and Islamic terrorist groups are using Mexico as a refuge… In light of this situation, there are continuing investigations aimed at dismantling these groups so that they may not cause problems". He also mentioned that the terrorist groups in question are located in the northern part of the country. “Islamic people” in Mexico sparked speculation among observers that the Lebanese Shi’ite terrorist organization Hizbollah have established cells in Mexico.
Remarks made by Mexican public officials indicate the real possibility that al Qaeda cells are present in Mexico and could potentially attempt to cross the U.S. southwest border to conduct additional attacks.
The former director of Mexico’s Center for Intelligence and National Security (Centro de Inteligencia y Seguridad Nacional—Cisen), Eduardo Medina Mora, remarked that the possibility of an al Qaeda attack against the United States launched from Mexico “could not be ruled out.”
National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion—INM) official Felipe Urbiola Ledezma made more alarming statements during remarks to the press, Urbiola said, “We have in Mexico people linked to terrorism and we are constantly observing unusual immigration flows…[people connected to] ETA, Hizbollah and even some with links to Usama Bin Laden.”
Other terrorist and criminal groups are in Mexico including the Russian mafia groups such as the Poldolskaya, Mazukinskaya, Tambovskaya, and Izamailovskaya have been detected in Mexico. The Moscow-based Solntsevskaya gang is also reported to be present in the country, as are other mafia gangs from Chechnya, Georgia, Armenia, Lithuania, Poland Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Albania, and Rumania. Their major activities include drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien smuggling, kidnapping, and credit card fraud.
Reforma a leading Mexican newspaper reported that U.S. intelligence agencies had detected a partnership between the Tijuana-based Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO) and Russian mafia groups based in southern California. In a separate story, Reforma reported that members of the former KGB-affiliated Kurganskaya group in San Diego had met with AFO operative Humberto Rodríguez Banuelos.
Reforma reported that for at least the last ten years the Russian mafia was supplying Mexican drug traffickers with radars, automatic weapons, grenade launchers, and small submersibles in exchange for cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. It cited a 1996 sting operation in which undercover DEA agents posing as Russian mafia members sold Carillo Fuentes operatives 300 AK-47s and ammunition in Costa Rica.
Even ten years ago, ten Russians, including four known members of the Russian mafia, were arrested at Mexico City’s international airport when they arrived on a KLM flight from Amsterdam. The mafia members included Aleksandr Zakharov, one of the leaders of the Moscow mafia and founder of the Uralinvest, known to have a principal role in organized crime in Russia. Another detainee was Nicolay Novikov, a Uralinvest director who had been imprisoned on three previous occasions for arms trafficking. A third was Yevgeniy Sazhayev, who had been arrested on two previous occasions for drug trafficking. The fourth was Vladimir Titov, wanted for various assassinations and who had escaped from several Russian prisons with the help of the mafia. The four men, who were traveling with six women, were apparently en route to Acapulco and Cancún. The group was reportedly deported. The Interpol head in Mexico, Juan Manuel Ponce, corroborated accounts that the group had been carrying arms and a substantial amount of cash.
According to Mexican analyst Jorge Fernández Méndez, the Russian mafia bosses had come to Mexico in order to mediate in the gang war being fought between the CFO and various other groups for control of drug trafficking routes through Mexico in the wake of the death of Alejandro Paez.
It is well known that the Russian mafia is deeply entrenched in the criminal fabric of the Mexican drug cartels and still today plays an important roll in providing guns and other weapons to the cartels and are purveyors of, drug smuggling, money laundering, prostitution, trafficking in women from Eastern and Central Europe and Russia, alien and terrorist smuggling, and kidnappings for ransom.
"Baja California is registering an unstoppable wave of kidnappings and its gravity keeps local citizens terrified because the criminal gangs operate with impunity and even act with hostility to inspire panic." The state's A.G. said that 36 kidnappings have taken place this year but an attorney with the "Association of Hope Against Forced Disappearances" said that there are more cases and that they are not reported so that the people may not realize the scope of the problem. An estimate concludes that eight of of ten kidnappings are unreported because many people opt for silence due to fear of reprisals and lack of trust in officialdom.And elsewhere, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, tallied twelve reports of kidnappings in March including that of two police officers.
The self proclaimed Mexican drug cartel Lt. says," that we will be offering Mexican soldiers very attractive pay packages and other benefits to cross over and go to work for us". He told the journal we can look for that new development to be happening soon. He also predicts that "active current duty Mexican soldiers and Mexican Federal Police officers will be killed by well armed and trained cartel soldiers".
Google these Sources:
A GLOBAL OVERVIEW OF NARCOTICS-FUNDED TERRORIST AND OTHER EXTREMIST GROUPS
A Report Prepared by the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress under an Interagency Agreement with the Department of Defense.
Hundreds being rounded- up and many Arrested in Juarez Mexico
The U.S. placed Mexico under a travel alert As Thousands of Armed Mexican Troops Patrol the Streets of Juarez
Linking of drug cartels on the Texas border with Middle East terrorist
President Bush's top intelligence aide has confirmed that Iraqi terrorists have been captured coming into the United States from Mexico
Americans Being Kidnapped, Held and killed in Mexico
They're known as "Los Zetas
Reforma Reforma Mexico
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