Holidaymakers in Mexico issued urgent warning after cartel boss killed
Brits in Mexico have been issued a stern warning as violence has broken out following the death of a drug cartel leader.
Mexico’s army shared the news on Sunday (22 February) that it had killed cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as ‘El Mencho’, in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco.
The kingpin's death triggered unrest, including hours of roadblocks and vehicles being set on fire across the state, including in the tourist hot spots of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
In updated travel advice issued on Monday (23 February), following the unrest, the Foreign Office has warned UK holidaymakers to stay indoors.
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The new guidance reads: "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."
The Foreign Office instructs: “You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.”
Brits have also been advised to monitor local media and follow guidance from authorities.
The official advice explains: "If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours. Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”
Meanwhile, similar advice has been issued by the United States Embassy in Mexico, which urged Americans to 'shelter in place'.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced it had cancelled 'all international operations and most of the domestic flights' on Sunday local time.
The American embassy published guidance for those in Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.
It told holidaymakers to:
- 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
According to The Independent, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
As we say, many flights have been cancelled in the wake of the violence, and according to the publication, social media footage has shown airline passengers trying to find cover as Guadalajara airport came under attack.
In a statement on X yesterday (22 February), Puerto Vallarta Airport assured passengers that the airport is 'under protection' of personnel from the National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense'.
The airport 'urged' passengers to remain calm while outlining that all international operations and most domestic flights had been cancelled.
The statement added: "The situations reported in various parts of the state did not impact the airport's internal operations or the safety within its facilities.
"The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities."
Madison Burgess