Embassy issues red alert for Rio Abajo

At a time when government officials are claiming reduced levels of violence in Panama, the American Embassy has issued a red alert for the Rio Abajo area.

A long serving member of the embassy staff was shot and killed recently while returning from Tocumen airport.

A message to American citizens  reads:

The U.S. Embassy Panama has learned that there have been several recent shootings in the Rio Abajo area of Panama City.  

There are two rival gangs warring against each other and several shootings and homicides have occurred.  The gangs have been shooting at cars that drive through the area, these incidents have occurred after it gets dark.
Rio Abajo is already one of our Red Zones and  U.S. Embassy personnel and their family members have been advised to avoid these areas.   The Rio Abajo neighborhood is located North of Via Espana, South of Transistmica and between Ernesto Lefevre on the West and Cincuentenario on the East.
For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy at 207-7030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama. The Consular Section fax is 207-7303.  

The Embassy web site ishttp://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov.  After hours and emergency phone number:  207-7000 or 207-7200.