Public transport was suspended, ride shares halted and airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta saw cancellations as unrest followed the military operation in Tapalpa.
A file image of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes (left) and scenes of fires in Jalisco following the military operation that led to his death. (Pic courtesy: X/ @GuacamayanLeaks)
The United States and Canada have asked their citizens to shelter in place in parts of Mexico after the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday led to widespread violence and flight disruptions.
The advisories come as unrest spreads across several Mexican states following a military operation that killed one of the country’s most powerful cartel leaders, prompting suspension of public transport, road blockades, arson, and cancellation of domestic and international flights in key cities.
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According to ANI, the US advised its citizens in Jalisco State, including Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara, as well as in Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Guerrero State, Michoacan State, and Nuevo Leon State to take shelter in place.
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The US informed citizens that domestic and international flights were cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All taxis and ride shares were suspended in Puerto Vallarta, and some businesses had halted operations.
The advisory also directed US government staff at the Consulate General in Tijuana and all US government staff in Michoacan, Guerrero, and Quintana Roo states to shelter in place.
The US urged citizens to remain aware of their surroundings, limit unnecessary movement, stay away from areas around law enforcement activity, avoid crowds, keep a tab on local media for updates, comply with directions issued by local authorities, and call 911 in case of emergency. Citizens were also asked to keep family and friends informed of their location and well-being through phone, text, and social media.
Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring the ‘serious’ and dynamic security landscape in the State of Jalisco, especially in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, and advised citizens to adhere to shelter-in-place orders in certain locations.
The advisories follow the killing of Oseguera on Sunday during a military-led operation in the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, the Mexican government announced.
Security forces from several federal branches of Mexico’s military carried out the operation. CJNG members exchanged fire with government forces, resulting in four gang members being killed at the scene, Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defence said.
Oseguera and two others were seriously injured and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City, according to the secretariat. Three Mexican military personnel were also injured and transferred to a hospital in Mexico City for treatment.
El Mencho, a former police officer, led the CJNG as it grew into one of the “most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations” in Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, as reported by CNN.
He was wanted by US authorities, who had offered a bounty of up to USD 15 million for information leading to his arrest. In 2022, the US Justice Department charged him with leading efforts to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for importation into the United States.
The military operation triggered violent incidents across Jalisco before spreading to states such as Michoacan and Guanajuato. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro reported that suspected members of organised crime groups set buses on fire, blocked roads, and clashed with authorities.
During the operation, the governor appealed to residents to remain indoors and announced that public transportation services in Jalisco would be suspended “until the situation is under control”. He later stated that the violence had spread to at least five states and advised the public to avoid travelling on highways.
The Guanajuato Security and Peace Secretariat reported fires at pharmacies and convenience stores in different parts of the state. “No injuries have been reported, but there has been property damage,” the statement said, adding that a security operation had been deployed in coordination with the National Guard, the Army, and municipal police.
Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination on Mexico’s west coast, as a result of the unrest.
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