US: Reduced threat of kidnapping at Machu Picchu

(AP) LIMA, Peru - The U.S. Embassy in Peru says it now sees a reduced threat of American tourists being kidnapped in the Cuzco region and is lifting a restriction on embassy personnel traveling there. The area includes the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

A warning to U.S. tourists in February that credible evidence existed of a threat from a Peruvian terrorist group drew vehement objections from officials in the South American country.

A statement posted Tuesday on the embassy’s website says that after reviewing current information, it now sees a reduced threat of potential kidnapping in Cuzco. But the embassy recommends that Americans traveling in the regions of Cuzco, Apurimac, Ayacucho, Huancavelica and Junin heighten their security awareness and adopt additional security measures.

Experts say Shining Path rebels operate in the area.