In what is certainly a harrowing experience for anyone in the area, a shootout occurred at the Bella Sirena condominiums this morning, with blog reports stating that a helicopter gunship was seen firing into the complex itself.

Currently, the U.S. Consulate is advising that American citizens in the area shelter in place.

Reports of large gun battle at Sandy Beach in #PuertoPenasco / #RockyPoint. USCits advised to shelter in place until gunfire is over.

— U.S. ConGen Nogales (@USCGNogales) December 18, 2013

El Imparcial is reporting that the state prosecutor, Carlos Navarro Sugich, has confirmed that four are dead, all "linked to organized crime" from a shootout that involved the Federal Police and the Navy.

UPDATE: If you're fairly proficient with the Spanish language, Lourdes Encinas Moreno, a reporter in Hermosillo, is collecting updates in Storify form.

UPDATE: The death count is now five, according to Sonora's Attorney General.

More information as we get it.



UPDATE:

Video taken this morning from a balcony at the Bella Sirena condos in Puerto Penasco while a shootout between federales and narcos took place outside of the complex itself.

(via TucsonScene James)