Juarez makes list of most dangerous cities in the world
An financial news website listed Juarez as one of the top 20 most dangerous cities in the world, on a list of 50 cities.
The online publication, 24/7 Wall St. reported that Juarez had 814 homicides last year, an increase from 2016.
The top five cities were:
1. Los Cabos, Mexico
2. Caracas, Venezuela
3. Acapulco, Mexico
4. Natal, Brazil
5. Tijuana, Mexico
The article stated that the increase in murders is likely because of an uptick in turf wars between drug cartels, more specifically street-level dealers connected to larger criminal organizations.
ABC-7 talked to Robert Almonte, a former U.S. Marshal and security expert, who said it is money causing the escalated drug war.
“It’s the cartel trying to gain control of the lucrative drug smuggling route corridor there in Juarez because it is a very major drug smuggling route. So that’s why I believe you’re having an increase in homicides there,” Almonte said.
Latin American countries remain the most dangerous regions in the world due to political unrest, gang violence, extreme poverty, and often crumbling national economic conditions, according to 24/7 Wall St.
American cities like Detroit, Baltimore, New Orleans, and St. Louis were also on the list.
The U.S. Consulate recently issued a ban forbidding American government employees from visiting downtown Juarez for the next 30 days, whether it be for personal or business purposes.They must get advanced permission to travel.
The Consulate also warned all Americans about travel to Juarez, citing an increase in shooting during the day.
“My concern is that the person being targeted is eating at the same restaurant as the person from El Paso and they end up being collateral damage. The Mexican cartels, the hitmen, they’re not very careful and precise in directing their shots at their targets, Almonte said.
ABC-7 recently reported June has been the deadliest month this year with 179 homicides.
For a full list of the top 50 most dangerous cities in the world, click here.
