Second gun attack rocks Mexican resort area
Saturday, 18 Jan, 2017
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A second deadly shooting has hit Mexico’s Caribbean coast tourism region, with four pronounced dead in resort city of Cancún.
Officials said four people were killed in a battle with security forces at a prosecutors’ office.
Carlos Joaquin, governor of Quintana Roo, said one police officer and three gunmen died, and another five suspected gunmen were captured.
It follows a shooting at a nightclub in nearby Playa del Carmen a day earlier which killed five.
It is still unclear if there is a link between the two incidents.
Both Cancun and Playa del Carmen had remained relatively free of violent crime.
However the incidents have raised fears Mexico’s most important tourism area could be sucked into the cycle of drug-related violence which has affected many Mexican states.
Joaquin said he had requested security assistance from the government.
"They are already on their way to reinforce order in the state."
Meanwhile all is calm and it is business as usual in Playa del Carmen as authorities continue investigating that shooting.
"The situation in Playa del Carmen is under control, allowing domestic and international tourists to continue enjoying their vacation in a secure environment. Playa del Carmen is one of the safest destinations in Mexico and the safety of its visitors is a top priority," according to a statement from the ministry of tourism of Quintana Roo.
The entire tourism sector ‘regrets the isolated act of violence and we stand in solidarity with the families of the victims and all those who have been affected by this tragic event’ it added.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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