U.S. tourists have been stranded and told to seek shelter in a Mexican beach town after the killing of a notorious cartel leader sparked a wave of violence across the country.
Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco Sunday, officials said.
Video footage shared online shows cars set ablaze in Puerto Vallarta, where frightened tourists described a “war zone” as plumes of dark smoke rose into the sky from around the bay.
American tourists in the city have told CNN that they have been locked in their hotels awaiting guidance for when it is safe to go outside.
Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines have all suspended flights in the area, while the U.S. State Department has urged its citizens in multiple Mexican states to remain indoors.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stressed that activities in most areas of the country are proceeding as usual.
However, schools in various states across the country had protectively canceled classes for Monday, according to local authorities.
Explainer: What are your travel rights if you are in Mexico or booked to go there?
Here’s more from Simon Calder on travelers’ consumer rights given the alarming scenes in places like the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta and in Guadalajara, which is due to host games at the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer.
UK Foreign Office issues Mexico travel warning
Countries around the world are issuing warnings and advice to their citizens currently in Mexico on how to stay safe, such as this from India:
The U.K. Foreign Office had this to say in its own warning:
“Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.”
Here’s more from our travel correspondent Simon Calder.
US issues security alert and flights suspended as violence erupts in Mexico
The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs has urged Americans in several parts of Mexico to shelter in place “due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
Regions under the advisory include the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon.
Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines have all suspended flights in response to the violence we have seen.
Isabel Keane has more.
US ‘provided intelligence support’ for assault on El Mencho, says Trump administration
This is what White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said about Sunday’s events:
“The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.
“‘El Mencho’ was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.
“Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization – because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.
“President Trump has been very clear – the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved.
“The Trump administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”
Mexico’s president appeals for calm and says there is ‘absolute coordination’ between the states
This is what Claudia Scheinbaum has had to say on X and she seeks to reassure the public:
“The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions.
“There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm.
“The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.
“My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet.
“We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.”
Who was El Mencho?
Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was reportedly a former police officer, who switched sides to run the vast criminal drug trafficking operation.
Formed in 2009, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, rapidly became one of Mexico’s most violent drug cartels. It is believed to possess the highest capacity for trafficking cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, and more recently, fentanyl into the United States.
Under El Mencho’s leadership, the cartel was implicated in numerous homicides targeting rival groups and Mexican law enforcement, as well as alleged assassination attempts on Mexican government officials.
The Trump administration previously designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation.
Since 2017, El Mencho has faced multiple indictments in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, with the most recent superseding indictment on April 5 2022, charging him with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances for unlawful importation into the U.S., and firearm use in drug trafficking.
He was also charged under the Drug Kingpin Statute for operating a continuing criminal enterprise.
Top story: Mexican army kills powerful drug trafficking cartel leader El Mencho
If you’re just joining us, here’s our report on the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was shot dead during a Mexican military operation Sunday, a federal official has confirmed, sparking a wave of retaliatory violence in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
El Mencho was a highly sought-after figure, with the U.S. State Department previously offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
Pictured: Soldiers on standby across Mexico amid fears of further violence
Member of El Mencho’s cartel says violence was ‘revenge’ for his killing
A member of Oseguera’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel has told Reuters that the blazes and sporadic gunfire in Mexico were carried out in revenge for his killing, and warned of further bloodshed as groups move to take control of his cartel.
The attacks were carried out in revenge for the leader’s death, at first against the government and out of discontent,” the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“But later the internal killings are coming, by the groups moving in to take over.”
Source: independent.co.uk