Cartel Chaos in Puerto Vallarta: Brookfield Resident Trapped Amidst Turmoil Following ‘El Mencho’ Incident

A suburban woman in Chicago recounted a startling experience when what she initially assumed to be a cloudy day revealed itself to be a scene of chaos, with cars ablaze near her hotel. Smoke filled the air, transforming an ordinary day into one marked by panic and confusion.

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This unsettling event unfolded against a backdrop of escalating violence in Mexico, prompting the U.S. Embassy to issue a directive urging American tourists in certain regions of the country to stay indoors for their safety. The warning followed the targeted killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

In retaliation, cartel members instigated a wave of violence, igniting vehicles and obstructing roadways throughout the country. This unrest has also disrupted travel significantly, leading to considerable delays and cancellations at major airports, particularly in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

The repercussions of these events were felt internationally, including at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, where flights destined for Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara experienced delays on Monday morning. Travelers are advised to remain informed about developments and adhere to safety advisories as the situation continues to evolve.

It’s also caused chaos at airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, where there are significant delays and cancelations.

At Chicago’s O’Hare airport flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara were delayed on Monday morning.

Jennifer Keltner from Brookfield witnessed the chaos in Puerto Vallarta.

“I woke up to gunfire and bombs,” she told ABC7. “I thought it was cloudy but I looked over and there’s sun in some parts and I looked and there was just fire everywhere. It’s just frightening. I even saw them pull people out of cars and throw bombs in there and everything so it’s a little frightening.”

Video from Keltner shows dark plumes of smoke among what is normally the picturesque Western coast of Mexico.

Burned-out buses abandoned on roadways, as helicopters hover over the popular tourist destination.

Keltner described what the unrest has been like, as suspected cartel members torched buses and businesses and blocked highways.

Keltner’s flight was scheduled for 3:10 p.m. Monday to return to Chicago. That flight may take off, but her concern now is how she will get to the airport.

There is no official timeline – when normal flight operations will resume.

RELATED: Local travelers stranded in Mexico amid unrest over death of cartel leader, top Chicago DEA fugitive