At least eight killed in Cancun bar attack

MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) – Gunmen stormed into a bar in the Mexican resort of Cancun on early Tuesday and threw Molotov cocktails, killing at least eight people and injuring two others, officials said.

Quintana Roo state attorney general said the attack at the business named "Castillos del Mar" took place around 1:30 a.m. local time. The bar is located on Avenue Leona Vicario, in Region 229, away from the hotel zone.

According to emergency officials, six women and two men were killed, mostly bar staff. Six died at the bar while two others died at hospital. The Red Cross transported two others to a local hospital.

Preliminary reports indicate that approximately ten men arrived in two black vehicles and immediately entered the business. The gunmen proceeded to throw the explosive device setting the bar on fire.

Even though the place was full, most of the customers and employees managed to get out of the bar. However, four women, apparently waitresses, and two men died due to burns and smoke inhalation.

According to the El Diario de Yucatan newspaper, officials believe that the attack is a consequence of a series of frequent threats and demands to pay for protection. On August 4, an individual was arrested near the bar while demanding $40,000 Mexican pesos in exchange for protection.

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