The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas has issued a travel advisory and warning to American citizens following a significant increase in murders on the island nation. Since January 1, a total of 18 murders have taken place, some even occurring in broad daylight on the streets.

According to the embassy's warning, retaliatory gang violence has been identified as the primary motive behind the majority of these murders. In response, American travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the eastern portion of New Providence Island, and to maintain a low profile.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, U.S. officials have advised against physically resisting during robbery incidents and emphasized the need for caution when traveling at night. The State Department has placed the Bahamas on its "Exercise Increased Caution" warning list, attributing the rise in murders to gang violence.

The warning also emphasizes that violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, can occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant, especially when staying at short-term vacation rental properties without private security companies.

Efforts to contact the Bahamian Embassy in Washington D.C. for further information were unsuccessful at the time of writing.

Addressing the growing concern, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis has announced several measures to combat the increase in crime. The Nassau Guardian reported that authorities will set up roadblocks and initiate additional police action. While acknowledging potential inconveniences for citizens and visitors alike, Prime Minister Davis stressed the importance of ensuring safer streets and reducing violent crimes.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the State Department has also included Jamaica on its "reconsider travel" advisory. The warning cautions against frequent violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides. It further highlights the ineffectiveness of local police in responding to serious criminal incidents and the infrequent prosecution of such cases.

With the safety of American citizens abroad being a top priority, both travel advisories serve as crucial reminders to exercise caution and be aware of the current security situations in these destinations.

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