The Mexican state of Jalisco will continue to be in a state of emergency on Monday, with public transportation and schools remaining closed, as announced by the governor on Sunday. The declaration came after a day of unrest in Puerto Vallarta, where violence erupted following the news of the death of a prominent figure in one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.
The skies over Puerto Vallarta were darkened by smoke from burning vehicles, a stark contrast to the usual picturesque setting of the coastal city. Similar scenes of chaos unfolded in Guadalajara, the state capital, and in various other regions on Sunday morning.
Due to the escalating situation, several airlines opted to cancel flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, with some flights en route to the city being rerouted before landing. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro addressed the public through a video statement, confirming the extension of the state of emergency and expressing hope for a return to normalcy in the near future.
The state attorney general of Jalisco reported that 25 individuals were apprehended following a day marked by blockades, fires, and looting. The attorney general’s office revealed that numerous vehicles were set ablaze at 65 different locations across the state.
The eruption of violence coincided with the announcement of a special forces operation by federal authorities aimed at capturing Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Oseguera Cervantes sustained injuries during a confrontation with federal forces and succumbed to them while being transported to Mexico City, according to the Secretariat of National Defense.
The operation initially commenced in Tapalpa municipality, situated approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Puerto Vallarta. The National Defense Secretariat confirmed that four CJNG members were killed during the operation, including El Mencho, who died during transit due to his injuries. Additionally, two individuals were detained in connection to the incident.
Violent incidents were also reported in several other states, including Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi. While the attorney general of Michoacán disclosed that four fatalities occurred during clashes between security forces and armed groups.
Despite the widespread unrest, the federal government indicated progress in restoring order. The federal Security Secretariat announced the clearance of 17 out of 21 blockades, many involving burning vehicles, across Jalisco.
In response to the situation, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commended the efforts of the country’s security forces. The death of El Mencho, a key figure in one of Mexico’s most violent criminal groups, raised concerns about potential retaliatory violence and power struggles within the criminal underworld.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed deep concern over the violence in Puerto Vallarta, emphasizing that the Canadian government is closely monitoring the evolving security crisis. Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory for Puerto Vallarta and advised Canadians in Jalisco to exercise caution, stay informed through media channels, and comply with local authorities’ directives.
Amid the turmoil, Canadian airlines cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta, affecting travelers like Toronto resident Tim Spencer, who witnessed the city engulfed in flames and experienced flight disruptions. Air Canada and other airlines cited ongoing security issues in Puerto Vallarta as the reason for the temporary suspension of operations in the area.