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*An Earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the areas in which the travel advisories were issued. The travel warning was issued the same week 8 bodies were found in Cancun but does NOT include the Cancun/Quintana Roo area.
The resort paradise of Cancun continues to be plagued by cartel violence. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Travel Advisory the same week 8 bodies were found in the resort city. The advisory warns travelers to exercise increased caution due to violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, car-jacking and robbery that is widespread in Mexico.
U.S. Issues Travel Advisory
Authorities found a total of 8 bodies across the city. 2 bodies were dumped at 2 different locations and four other individuals appeared to have been shot to death. The dismembered bodies of two men were found at an undisclosed location while the bodies of a man and woman were found in a taxi. Another man was found shot to death, one was killed while laying in a hammock and and the seventh victim was found covered in a plastic bag after being shot. Details on the 8th body were not available.
It has been reported that none of the killings occurred in Cancun's beach side hotel zone where the majority of tourists stay.
“While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred,” -State Department
Mexico Travel Advisory - Avoid All Travel
While the resort town of Cancun has a level 2 Travel Advisory – “Exercise Increased Caution”, the following Mexican states have been issued a Level 4 “Avoid All Travel”
- Colima State
- Tamaulipas
- Sinaloa
- Michoácan
- Guerrero
Theses states have been issued the level 4 warning due to high crime.
Sources: CBS, U.S. Dept. of State