02 Jan 2023 | 01:25 PM UTC
Belize: Shooting kills US tourist near nightclub in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Dec. 30
US tourist killed outside a nightclub in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, Dec. 30, highlights the threat of gang-related violence.
Event
The US Embassy in Belize confirmed Jan. 1 the death of a US national in San Pedro located on the tourist area of Ambergris Caye Island, Dec. 30. While the exact circumstances of the incident are unclear, police forces announced the tourist was killed during a shooting involving rival gang members outside a nightclub. Two men have been arrested in connection to the killing.
Context
The incident highlights the incidental threat of violence in the event of gang-related armed clashes. While parts of the country, including areas within Belize City, are known to be plagued with gang violence, the threat remains in areas deemed safer, such as San Pedro.