US travelers told Mexican violence 'localized'

"We notice that many of the violent activities are localized in several different places. They are not general across the north of Mexico, let alone through ... the entire country," State Department spokesman Gordon Duguid said.

As students prepare their annual spring break from studies, concerns have grown about the safety of popular Mexican getaways such as Cancun and Acapulco, which traditionally swarm with hedonistic students each March.

Duguid said violence was "not systematic throughout the country."

In February, the State Department warned travelers of the risk posed by increased violence, particularly along the US-Mexico border.