Mexico: Two people killed in Cancún August 29

Event

Unidentified assailants shot and killed a TV journalist as well as another unidentified man in one of the principal avenues of the city of Cancún (Quintana Roo state) on Wednesday, August 29. An investigation is ongoing. Additional violent incidents, including violent crimes, are possible in Cancún and elsewhere in Quintana Roo state in the near-term.

Context

Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous country for journalists; 17 of them have reportedly been killed in 2017 and six so far in 2018, including two in Quintana Roo state.

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. 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.