PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — A wave of violence has erupted across parts of western Mexico — including the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta — after Mexican security forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation on Sunday. In response, the U.S. Embassy urged American citizens in several states to “shelter in place” amid ongoing unrest.
El Mencho — one of Mexico’s most wanted drug kingpins, who had long been sought by U.S. authorities with a $15 million reward — was reportedly killed during a federal security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco State.
In the hours following the operation, violent reprisal attacks by cartel members spread across parts of Jalisco and other states, including:
- Burning vehicles and roadblocks on major highways
- Shootouts with security forces
- Reports of chaos and panic in Puerto Vallarta, a Pacific Ocean beach destination popular with U.S. and international tourists
- Panic near Guadalajara’s international airport as smoke, gunfire, and unrest were reported on social media and by local journalists
Hotels locked down, businesses closed, and local authorities urged residents and visitors to stay off the streets.
U.S. Embassy and State Department Warnings
In an alert issued Sunday, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City advised American citizens in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to shelter in place until further notice due to ongoing security operations, road closures, and criminal activity.
Canada issued a similar warning for its citizens, and several airlines, including Air Canada and United Airlines, canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta because of the security situation.
Authorities Respond
Mexican federal and state authorities have deployed additional forces to stabilize affected areas and protect civilians. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel, calling the situation “highly volatile.”
International travel and security analysts note that violence following the death of a cartel leader is a frequent but dangerous pattern, as rival factions vie for control or seek to retaliate. The U.S. State Department has issued repeated travel advisories for parts of Mexico in recent years, warning of the risks posed by escalating cartel activity.
READ NEXT: Infomercial Icon Targets 84-Year-Old Congressman In GOP Primary
Sponsored
CHIP IN $26 NOW to lock in Founder Status and join me on the frontline! Your support at this critical moment helps fight with Trump and fuel the grassroots movement that’s defending America’s future. FIGHT WITH TRUMP — JOIN THE FRONTLINE and stand with patriots like you.
Why would anyone in their right mind want to visit Mexico? I’m sure there are many decent people there, but the country is controlled by the money cartels have.
About time! Mexico has been slow, but finally there is SOME action.
Just keep on keeping on, Mexico!
No country should EVER have such criminal gangs in their country … and that includes OUR U.S. country!