Mexico: Unidentified assailants shoot one person in Cancún July 18 /update 1

Event

Unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle shot and wounded the driver of a vehicle traveling in the hotel zone in Cancún (Quintana Roo state) on Wednesday, July 18. Additional violent incidents, including violent crimes, are possible in Cancún and elsewhere in Quintana Roo state in the near-term.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented cartels are on the rise in much of the country and violence in parts of Mexico is spiraling out of control as cartels adopt increasingly militarized tactics. Business owners, journalists, politicians and candidates, and social leaders are also targeted, and bystanders can be caught up in the crossfire. 2017 was the most violent year on record based on violent crime indicators.

Advice

Individuals present in Cancún are advised to remain vigilant for criminal activity and report all suspicious objects and behavior to the authorities. Keep in mind that criminals may be armed; do not resist if confronted and do not look your attacker(s) directly in the eye.