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On Sunday, a popular resort town in Mexico found itself in turmoil after the death of a notorious cartel leader led to a wave of violence, including an attack on an airport. The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, was killed by the army, triggering the unrest.
In Puerto Vallarta, tourists were advised to remain indoors as cartel members reacted fiercely to the killing of their leader. The powerful drug cartel, known for its violent operations, lashed out, prompting a swift advisory from the US State Department for American citizens to seek shelter.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro took to X to share updates, stating, “Federal forces initiated an operation in Tapalpa earlier today, resulting in confrontations in the region.” He added that in response to the operation, criminals have set vehicles ablaze and erected blockades in different parts of Jalisco to obstruct law enforcement efforts.
As the situation unfolded, Puerto Vallarta, a Pacific Ocean tourist hotspot, saw its hotels on lockdown. Streets were chaotic with burning cars and makeshift barricades, creating a tense atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
The chaos has hotels in the Pacific Ocean vacation spot of Puerto Vallarta holed up inside their hotels as cars and barricades burn in the streets.
There was also a gunfire at Guadalajara International Airport, news outlet Guardia Nocturna reported.
One video posted online showed travelers fleeing the terminal.
Smoke could be seen rising from the streets in both places where the cartel burned vehicles and set up roadblocks.
Authorities have called in backup from federal forces to combat the violent.
Oseguera Cervantes, a sixth-grade dropout, became one of Mexico’s most feared cartel bosses following the arrest and conviction of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman by US authorities.
Oseguera Cervantes, 53, was killed in Tapalpa in Jalisco during a raid by Mexican forces, Spanish-language news outlet Milenio reported Sunday.
Following his death, cartel gunmen launched assaults in Jalisco, Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato and Aguescalientes, as well as Veracruz, the local outlets said.