In a dramatic turn of events, the popular Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta found itself besieged on Sunday, with reports of an airport attack following the army’s killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, head of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
As news of the drug lord’s death spread, narco gangs unleashed chaos in retaliation, prompting authorities to urge tourists to remain indoors for their safety. The U.S. State Department also advised American citizens in the area to seek shelter.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro addressed the situation on social media, stating, “Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area. In response, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles in various locations to obstruct authorities’ efforts.”
The unrest has left visitors in the Pacific Ocean resort town confined to their hotels as vehicles are set ablaze and barricades line the streets, transforming the usually idyllic destination into a scene of turmoil.
Adding to the chaos, shots were reportedly fired at Guadalajara International Airport, as covered by news outlet Guardia Nocturna. A video circulating online captured scenes of panicked travelers evacuating the terminal.
There was also a gunfire at Guadalajara International Airport, news outlet Guardia Nocturna reported.
One video posted online showed travelers fleeing the terminal.
Smoke could be seen rising from the streets in both places where the cartel burned vehicles and set up roadblocks.
Authorities have called in backup from federal forces to combat the violent.
Oseguera Cervantes, a sixth-grade dropout, became one of Mexico’s most feared cartel bosses following the arrest and conviction of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman by US authorities.
Oseguera Cervantes, 53, was killed in Tapalpa in Jalisco during a raid by Mexican forces, Spanish-language news outlet Milenio reported Sunday.
Following his death, cartel gunmen launched assaults in Jalisco, Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato and Aguescalientes, as well as Veracruz, the local outlets said.
