Chilpancingo (Mexico), Feb 6 (IANS/EFE): Gunmen raped seven Spanish tourists on the outskirts of the Mexican Pacific resort city of Acapulco, said an official in the prosecutor's office.

The sexual assaults occurred around 3 a.m. Monday in Playa Bonfil, located in the eastern section of Acapulco, one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations.

The tourists were attacked by several armed men at a bungalow, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Officials launched an operation in the area to try to capture the gunmen.

Spanish diplomats and consular personnel in Mexico are assisting the victims, foreign ministry officials told EFE Tuesday.

An "attack on a group of Spanish nationals" occurred in Mexico's Guerrero state, where Acapulco is located, the officials said.

Acapulco, one of Mexico's most famous tourist destinations, has been plagued by drug-related violence in recent years.

The Guerrero state government launched a security operation in 2011 with the support of the federal government to step up security in areas frequented by foreign and domestic tourists.

"Operation Safe Guerrero" was launched Oct 6, 2011, in an effort to reduce the soaring crime rate in the state.