Two people were killed in a shootout between rival gangs on a beach near the Mexican resort of Cancun. The victims are alleged drug dealers, as the public prosecutor announced on Thursday (local time). Numerous foreign tourists were shocked and frightened by the violence.
“There was a confrontation between members of rival groups of drug traffickers on a beach in Bahía Petempich, Puerto Morelos,” said the Attorney General of the state of Quintana Roo on Twitter.
Bathers took cover
Tourists staying near the beach reported that bathers took cover when the gunfire rang out. “The guests told me that they were playing volleyball on the beach when the gunman approached and fired shots,” wrote US citizen Mike Sington on Twitter. “Everyone ran away from the beach and the pools. The staff pushed us into hidden rooms behind the kitchens. “
Videos on the online networks showed dozens of tourists, some of them only in bathing suits, taking shelter in a lobby with hotel staff. “People hug and cry,” said Sington, who claims to be a guest at the Hyatt Riviera.
36,000 murders in one year
Since the government of Mexico City launched a controversial anti-drug operation in December 2006, more than 300,000 violent deaths have been recorded in the country. In the past year alone, the authorities recorded more than 36,000 murders. In October, two foreign tourists were killed in a shooting between suspected drug criminals in Tulum. (AFP)