A daring rescue initiative led by military veterans has been launched to evacuate Americans stranded in Mexico amidst escalating violence triggered by the death of a notorious cartel leader. This high-stakes operation is reminiscent of a “war-zone level” mission, undertaken in response to the turmoil that followed the demise of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s top figure.

Bryan Stern, who established the Grey Bull Rescue nonprofit organization, confirmed that rescue teams were mobilized on Monday as reports emerged of widespread unrest in Jalisco and neighboring regions. This development was reported by Fox News.

By Tuesday, some flights out of Jalisco had resumed, yet Stern urged Americans to remain vigilant and advised them to avoid traveling until the situation is genuinely safe. “If you’re in a location that is relatively safe, stay where you are, shelter in place, and hunker down,” he recommended. “It may be uncomfortable, but uncomfortable and safe is better than comfortable and dead.”

Grey Bull Rescue, since its inception in 2021, has been instrumental in carrying out over 800 rescue operations. The organization has successfully evacuated more than 8,000 Americans and their allies from active combat zones, as highlighted on their website.

Currently, numerous Americans are taking refuge in Puerto Vallarta and other resort areas. This follows the military operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” on Sunday, which has been a catalyst for the ongoing violence.

Many Americans are sheltering in place at Puerto Vallarta and other resort communities following the military operation that killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” on Sunday.

The death of Mexico’s top crime boss led the cartel to launch a vicious wave of retaliation across the country, with more than 70 deaths reported on Monday, including 25 members of the National Guard.

As Mexican forces crack down on the cartel violence, Stern likened the situation on the ground to war given the gangster’s vast resources that could rival a small military.

“What’s interesting about this war is that the enemy, the bad guys — these are not punk kids with face tattoos. The cartels are extremely organized, very well-resourced and very prepared,” Stern told Fox.

The cartel’s retaliation led to major American and Canadian airlines canceling flights in and out of the Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports.

Air Canada and Air Alaska are among those resuming flights on Tuesday after Mexican forces cleared more than 250 roadblocks set up by the cartel across 20 states.

Some 2,500 additional soldiers have been sent to western Mexico to deal with the cartel, with the US embassy maintaining a shelter in place for Americans staying in Jalisco, Baja and Nayarit.