Americans warned of kidnapping, extortion as violent crime grips parts of tourist spot

The State Department is warning Americans to steer clear of parts of a South American country as violent crime, terrorism and kidnapping raise safety concerns among tourists.

The State Department this week issued a Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory for the nation of Ecuador.

In the advisory, officials warned of widespread crime across Ecuador, including murders, assaults, kidnappings and armed robberies linked to drug trafficking.

ROBBERIES, ASSAULTS AND RAPES SPUR...