By Ricardo Lezama A U.S. war veteran, Sisson Jason Thomas, was injured in a shooting in Caborca, Sonora. The 44-year-old, who was travelling in a vehicle with a companion, was allegedly victimized by an armed group. The pair were en route from Puerto Peñasco to Nogales when they were attacked. The victim sustained three bullet wounds. This incident has increased concerns about heightened crime in the region.
A few months ago, Nicholas Douglas, a different US servicemember was killed in the same region by armed gunmen. According to local news reports, that individual was also vacationing when his vehicle was intercepted by armed civilians. He refused to stop and heed their orders so the group members (presumed to be members of the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa cartel) bulleted his car, killing him on the scene. The incident was then reported to Donald Trump by the family members, where he was later pictured holding a photo of the marine.
According to the State Department, employees are forbiddent from traveling throughout the state of Sonora. In addition, their travel advisories state the following:
Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos): U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits. U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
- US State Department travel advisory.