Mexico: Seven people killed in Playa del Carmen January 6

Event

Unidentified assailants shot and killed seven people in a bar located in the Playa del Carmen beach resort (Quintana Roo state) on Sunday, January 6. According to local authorities, the assailants were likely members of a drug cartel; an investigation is ongoing. Additional violent incidents, including violent crimes, are possible in Playa del Carmen and elsewhere in Quintana Roo state in the near-term.

Context

Fierce turf wars between competing and increasingly fragmented drug 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.

Advice

Individuals present in Playa del Carmen 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.