US tourists told to shelter as cartel violence erupts

Mexico City – American citizens in parts of Mexico were urged to remain indoors after the killing of notorious drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes triggered deadly reprisals that left dozens dead and major tourist centres disrupted.

The fugitive leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed on Sunday during a Mexican military operation supported by intelligence sharing with the United States. Authorities said eight cartel members also died, while retaliatory attacks in the western state of Jalisco left at least 25 National Guard members among the dead, alongside other officials and civilians.

Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum told a news conference in Mexico City that security forces were working to maintain order nationwide despite the unrest.

Violence quickly spilled into urban areas and tourist destinations. Suspected gang members torched buses, destroyed businesses and blocked roads, creating panic among residents and foreign visitors. Airports were thrown into chaos as flights were cancelled or diverted.

The US State Department issued an urgent advisory for Americans in affected regions to seek shelter in hotels or private residences. Several United States airlines suspended services to Puerto Vallarta, stranding travellers.

Tourists described scenes of destruction. One visitor from Dallas reported waking to news that buses had been set ablaze and highways barricaded, while another said he saw destroyed taxis blocking streets as he attempted to leave his hotel for breakfast.

The violence also disrupted travel through Guadalajara, where crowds gathered at the international airport following mass cancellations.

Mexico’s security chief reported multiple coordinated attacks on authorities across the state, describing them as deliberate assaults. Officials said dozens of suspected criminals were killed in clashes with security forces.

The operation that killed the cartel boss involved intense fighting after troops launched a ground assault to capture him. Authorities said heavy weaponry, including missile launchers, was seized.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump called on Mexico to intensify its fight against drug cartels, describing the situation as a warning about the global reach of organised crime.

Mexican officials said no American troops took part in the raid, noting that cooperation was limited to intelligence exchange.