Officials stress requirements for Mexico travel

  • Published
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen are required to complete several steps prior to traveling to Mexico as the recent increase in violence in the country has resulted in the creation of a new policy detailing limitations of travel to the country.

The travel policy requires all active-duty military, activated reservists and National Guard members assigned to Ellsworth who are traveling to Mexico to visit the 28th Bomb Wing Antiterrorism Office no later than 60 days prior to travel in order to receive travel coordination instructions.

In accordance with Twelfth Air Force and Air Forces Southern, all travel to Mexico must be coordinated and approved by the 28th Bomb Wing commander. This is mandatory for both leisure and official travel.

Narco-terrorism and drug related criminal activity continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Although there is no specific threat directed toward U.S. Military personnel, foreign visitors and residents have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings along the border and inside the country.

"This violence is spilling over into larger tourist areas as well, so vigilance is paramount," said Master Sgt. Arthur Cronk, 28th BW Antiterrorism assistant officer.

Cronk said attacks thus far have been aimed primarily at members of rival drug trafficking organizations, Mexican police forces and criminal justice officials. The violence has prompted officials to make specific areas in Mexico off limits.

Areas off limits in Mexico include Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Jalisco, Zacatecas and Sonora.

Cronk noted that emergency travel to restricted and non-restricted areas within Mexico must be coordinated at least seven days prior to requested date of departure. Airmen should coordinate all travel with the Antiterrorism Office to ensure destinations are not off limits.

For more information, call the 28th BW Antiterrorism Office at (605) 385-6862.