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The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory, urging American citizens in specific regions of Mexico to remain indoors due to heightened security risks.
On Sunday, the U.S. State Department released a warning for Americans residing in certain areas of Mexico, recommending they shelter in place as a response to ongoing security measures and escalating criminal activities. This advisory comes amidst a backdrop of intensified operations in the region.
Initially, the advisory was limited but later expanded to encompass Jalisco State — including popular destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara. In addition, Baja California State (covering Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (featuring Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), as well as parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States, were included in the advisory.
The warning followed reports that emerged on Sunday regarding the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” who was the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was killed during a military operation conducted by the Mexican army.
According to a statement from the Defense Department, Oseguera Cervantes sustained injuries during an attempt to capture him in Tapalpa, Jalisco, located roughly two hours southwest of Guadalajara. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Mexico City. Jalisco serves as the cartel’s stronghold, notorious for smuggling substantial quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States. During the operation, military forces encountered resistance and ended up killing four individuals at the scene.
Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment.
The U.S. State Department is encouraging U.S. citizens in the region to take the following steps to ensure their safety:
- Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
- Avoid crowds.
- Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport said Sunday that all international and most national flights were canceled due to the ongoing unrest. The decision came as numerous airlines suspended operations to and from the airport.
Air Canada issued a statement advising travelers not to go to the airport without first checking whether their flight is active.
“We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue,” the airline said in a post on X. “Customers are advised not to attempt to go to the airport unless their flight is shown as operating on and will be directly notified of changes to their itineraries.”
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, a Mexican airport operator, said the Puerto Vallerta airport was under the protection of the National Guard and the Secretary of National Defense as part of ongoing efforts with federal authorities.
No other airports have been closed but roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights being canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All taxis and ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Some businesses have suspended operations, according to the U.S. Consulate Tijuana.
GAP urged travelers to remain calm and follow airport staff instructions at all times.
Roadblocks and other travel disruptions are expected to continue in the coming days.
Jalisco cartel
The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.
Videos circulating social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic.
The official who shared details of the operation Sunday with the Associated Press requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, but said it happened during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, where the cartel that traffics huge amounts of fentanyl and cocaine into the United States is based.
The Jalisco cartel has been one of the most aggressive cartels in its attacks on the military — including on helicopters — and is a pioneer in launching explosives from drones and installing mines. In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital’s police force and now federal security secretary.
The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states. It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines. Sinaloa, however, has been weakened by infighting after the loss of its leaders Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, both in U.S. custody.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.