Associated Press
NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico — The United States will close its consulate for one week to assess the security of its employees and consulate visitors in this Mexican border town after a shootout between drug gangs using machine guns, grenades and a rocket launcher.
In a statement from Mexico City late Friday, U.S. Ambassador Tony Garza said "in light of this alarming incident and continued violence along the border, I have decided to suspend all operations except for emergency services for American citizens," for one week, beginning Aug. 1.
While the consulate is closed, "we will be gauging what should be a swift and certain response from the government of Mexico, to bring this situation under control," Garza said.
Posted by katie at July 30, 2005