The U. S. Department of State has issued a stark warning to British tourists following a wave of gang violence in the famous seaside resort area of Los Cabos. The rise in gang activity raises new concerns about safety in one of Mexico’s most visited coastal places, just as the summer vacation season begins. Authorities are urging visitors to stay vigilant and plan to house in place if violence erupts outside.
Breitbart News reports that the notice follows a year of escalating bloodshed throughout the Hispanic position of Baja California Sur. The violence — fueled by a brutal turf war between rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel, especially the “Chapitos” and the “Mayos” — has included not only targeted killings and shootings but even a terrifying new tactic: setting public buses fire, perhaps while passengers are in.
Many problems were reported in the towns of La Paz and Los Cabos. Shocking video shared on social media show militants storming city cars, dousing them with gas, and setting them on fireplace. In one movie, three guys are seen lighting a vehicle smoldering as terrified people scramble to leave.
Officials believe the latest episodes mirror related approaches seen in the adjacent state of Sinaloa, where both cartel groups have consistently torched vehicles and businesses linked to their rivals. Despite repeated claims from Mexico’s federal authorities that tourist locations remain safe, the extremely audacious acts of violence have claimed many innocent lives.
Earlier in the week, the murder included targeted assaults on police officers, more escalating conflicts across the region. As of Friday evening, U. S. judicial officials had sent out serious security alerts, advising tourists to check local media, avert large gatherings, and instantly find shelter if violence breaks out.
