American tourists shelter during deadly shootout near Cancun resorts

A gun battle between suspected drug cartels broke out in Cancun on Thursday and sent hotels guests running for cover, CNN reports.

Mexican authorities in Quintana Roo confirmed that two suspected drug gang members were shot dead in the incident, which took place on a beachfront near the Mexican resort city of Cancún.

“There was a confrontation between members of hostile groups of drug dealers on a beach in Bahía Petempich, Puerto Morelos. Two of them lost their lives at the scene,” the officials tweeted.

Local media also reported that there were 15 armed people on the beaches of the Hyatt Ziva hotel, in Bahía Petempich, that sent tourists running to seek shelter.

Mexican authorities said that no tourists were seriously injured or kidnapped.

“We are closely following reports of a security incident at a hotel in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. We are working closely with local authorities to determine if any U.S. citizens were affected,” a U.S. State Department official said in a statement to The Hill.

“We urge U.S. citizens in the affected area who are safe to contact their loved ones directly and/or update their status on social media. If you are in the affected area and need immediate emergency services, please contact local authorities,” the official said.

Americans at the hotel took to Twitter to share live videos of hotel guests running after hearing gunshots.

A hotel guest, Andrew Krop tweeted that he was on call with the U.S. Embassy and that his husband was also at the hotel.

“Men with guns stormed the beach and started shooting. Please spread the word and get help on this. I have no idea what to do,” he tweeted.

Another American guest shared on Twitter that all guests at the hotel were told to “shelter in their rooms” and “barricade the doors.”

Active shooter at Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun Resort. All guests confined to lobby now. Hotel staff huddled together in corner. Still no announcement or update from hotel, Hyatt, or police. Several guests have now told be they saw gunman come up from the beach, actively shooting. pic.twitter.com/fL9BP7Jisb

— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) November 4, 2021

Mexico’s Cancun region is a popular tourist destination. It has, however, been issued travel warnings over violence.

This incident comes just days after two foreign tourists — including one American — were killed in Tulum during a shootout between suspected gang members, The Guardian reports.

— Updated at 8:52 p.m.