U.S. Citizens Told to Avoid Tijuana as Violence Erupts, Employees Shelter

U.S. government employees in Tijuana, Mexico have been urged to shelter in place as the U.S. consulate warned of multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks and other incidents early on Saturday.

“The U.S. Consulate General Tijuana is aware of reports of multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate. U.S. government employees have been instructed to shelter in place until further notice,” the consulate’s official Twitter account said.

The consulate further advised U.S. citizens to avoid the area, seek shelter if in the area, inform their friends and families of their situation and monitor news reports for information.

Hundreds of Mexican soldiers have reportedly been sent to Ciudad Juarez near the U.S. border. Both Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez are in the Mexican state of Baja California.

The violence is believed to be linked to a conflict between two rival gangs in a Mexican prison that escalated into a riot and a shootout in Ciudad Juarez that has left 11 people dead.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.