The Mexican state of Jalisco is set to remain on high alert, with public transportation and schools staying shut, as confirmed by the state’s governor on Sunday. The decision comes after a surge of violence in Puerto Vallarta following the reported death of a prominent crime group leader in the country.
The skyline of Puerto Vallarta was filled with smoke from burning vehicles, a popular tourist spot on the Pacific coast. Similar incidents unfolded in Guadalajara, the state capital, and across various regions on Sunday morning.
Multiple airlines scrapped flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, with some flights rerouting before reaching the city. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro, in a video message, declared the continuation of the state of emergency, anticipating a return to normalcy soon.
The Attorney General of Jalisco reported the detention of 25 individuals after a day marked by blockades, fires, and looting. The attorney general’s office stated that vehicles were set ablaze at 65 different locations across the state.
Amidst the unrest, federal authorities initiated a special forces operation to apprehend Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Oseguera Cervantes sustained injuries in a clash with federal forces and succumbed to them while en route to Mexico City, according to the Secretariat of National Defence.
The operation kicked off in Tapalpa municipality, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Puerto Vallarta. The National Defence Secretariat confirmed the deaths of four CJNG members during the operation, along with three wounded cartel affiliates, including El Mencho, who all passed away during transit. Additionally, two individuals were apprehended.
Reports of violence emerged from states including Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi. The Attorney General of Michoacán disclosed four fatalities following confrontations between security forces and armed groups.
Although the situation remains tense, the federal government indicated efforts to restore order. The federal Security Secretariat announced the clearance of 17 out of 21 blockades, many featuring burning vehicles, in Jalisco state.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commended the actions of the nation’s security forces, emphasizing that most areas maintain normalcy. Academic expert Gladys McCormick warned that El Mencho’s demise could spark a surge in violence as rival criminal factions vie for power, potentially exacerbating the existing conflicts involving the CJNG.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed deep concern over the violence, while Global Affairs Canada updated travel advisories for Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco, recommending a shelter-in-place order and vigilance for Canadian travelers. Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta due to the ongoing security situation.