U.S. tourists sheltering in hotels as Mexico burns after killing of drug lord ‘El Mencho’
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In retaliation, suspected CJNG members unleashed narco-terror tactics across at least 20 states: torching buses, cars, businesses, and pharmacies; setting up fiery blockades; and clashing with security forces. Over 250 roadblocks were reported, paralyzing highways and stranding travelers.
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Mexico was plunged into widespread violence Sunday following the military killing of cartel kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The unrest has left hundreds of American tourists stranded, with burning vehicles blocking roads, airports in panic, and shelter-in-place orders forcing visitors to hunker down in hotels.
The chaos erupted hours after Mexican Army Special Forces raided a location in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where Oseguera was fatally wounded in a shootout.
He died en route to a hospital. The U.S. provided intelligence for the operation, hailed by the White House as a major win against fentanyl trafficking.
In retaliation, suspected CJNG members unleashed narco-terror tactics across at least 20 states: torching buses, cars, businesses, and pharmacies; setting up fiery blockades; and clashing with security forces. Over 250 roadblocks were reported, paralyzing highways and stranding travelers.
Popular resort city Puerto Vallarta, a favourite for U.S. beachgoers, descended into scenes of arson and smoke-filled skies.
Tourists reported waking to explosions, seeing vehicles ablaze from hotel balconies, and smelling burnt rubber. One American described it as “the twilight zone,” while another family was separated, unable to reunite due to blockades, and worried about food as kitchens and stores shut down.
Major U.S. airlines-Delta, American, United, and Air Canada, canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara on Sunday and into Monday, leaving thousands grounded.
According to the CNN, airports saw panic, travelers sprinted through terminals in Guadalajara as distant fires burned, with some taking cover near jetways.
The U.S. State Department and embassy urged Americans in Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo, and other affected areas to shelter in place, minimize movement, avoid law enforcement zones, and monitor updates. Similar advisories came from Canada, the UK, Australia, and others.
In Guadalajara, Mexico’s third-largest city and a 2026 FIFA World Cup host, streets emptied, schools and shops closed, and football matches were postponed. Burnt-out vehicles littered roads as National Guard troops patrolled.
By late Sunday, authorities cleared about 90% of blockades and reopened main roads, but curfews remain in places like Puerto Vallarta, with schools and businesses expected closed Monday.
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