A sudden, terrifying order descended upon Canadians enjoying the sun and beaches of Puerto Vallarta: shelter in place. The idyllic resort city, a popular escape for many, became a focal point in a wave of violence gripping parts of Mexico following a significant operation against a notorious cartel leader.
The unrest erupted after Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a federal operation. This wasn’t a contained incident; almost immediately, criminal groups retaliated by unleashing chaos – burning vehicles to block roads, effectively cutting off access and hindering military response. The tactic, chillingly familiar, is a hallmark of cartel warfare.
Reports painted a picture of escalating panic. Videos surfaced showing plumes of smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta, while frantic scenes unfolded at Guadalajara’s airport as people desperately sought safety. The situation was described as “fluid” and “rapidly evolving,” with authorities issuing urgent warnings to stay indoors.
The impact on travel was immediate and widespread. Airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and others, swiftly cancelled or diverted flights to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo, leaving countless travelers stranded and anxious. Airports became scenes of confusion and uncertainty as the security situation deteriorated.
The violence wasn’t limited to Jalisco state. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro revealed the unrest had spread to at least five states, urging residents to remain home and avoid travel. Schools were closed, and Guadalajara, normally a bustling metropolis, transformed into a virtual ghost town as people sought refuge.
Beyond the immediate chaos, the operation revealed a deeper layer of international involvement. U.S. authorities, who had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture, confirmed the operation was conducted in collaboration with Mexican special forces, providing crucial intelligence support.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, which El Mencho led, is a formidable force – one of the most powerful and rapidly expanding criminal organizations in Mexico. Its influence extends far beyond borders, as it’s a major trafficker of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States.
The cost of this operation was tragically high. While authorities reported the deaths of several cartel members during the initial confrontation, the violence quickly spilled over, claiming the lives of members of the national guard, a jail guard, and a state prosecutor. The scale of the loss underscored the brutal reality of the conflict.
As the dust settles, the situation remains precarious. The immediate threat may have subsided, but the underlying instability and the potential for further violence loom large, leaving Canadians and others in the region deeply concerned for their safety and well-being.
