Terrified tourists in Puerto Vallarta watch shops and pharmacies get torched to the ground and toxic fumes blanket beaches: Live updates
The US State Department has issued a security alert for all Americans stranded in Mexico after chaos erupted when the army killed the leader of a powerful cartel.
The intense commotion and code red warning was triggered in the early hours of Sunday, when the Mexican Army went into the rustic town of Tapalpa, which is about 170 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco.
El Mencho was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, and people sprinting through the airport of the state's capital in panic.
On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta 'due to an ongoing security situation' and advised customers not to go to their airport.
Follow along for live updates.
Terrified tourists in Puerto Vallarta watch shops and pharmacies get torched
People on social media have reported being stranded in Puerto Vallarta, where thick columns of smoke can be seen rising above the city. At least ten vehicles throughout the city were reported as having been set on fire.
One user on Facebook wrote: 'My daughter is there now at an Airbnb, I just talked with her and the whole town is on lockdown, she is safe as we speak but it's a very scary situation.'
Another user wrote: 'We are at Villa del Palmar in Puerto Vallarta and black smoke all around, no buses or taxis, flights cancelled, stores closed, not going anywhere. Was going to sit at beach but smoke smell was terrible and was told it could be toxic.'
Other people on Reddit said they were about to hop on a flight to the Pacific coastal city just before they heard the news.
'I was AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL waiting to go there when we heard this was happening,' said a user on Reddit. '[I'm] In the car going back home. All flights to PV (Puerto Vallarta) grounded indefinitely,' the user wrote in a follow-up comment.
Columns of smoke are rising over Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist spot, after Mexican authorities conducted an operation to kill a prominent cartel leader on Sunday morning.
23:30
Flights in and out of Mexico are cancelled
United Airlines, WestJet and Air Canada have all diverted flights heading into Jalisco, as well as other Mexican states, citing security concerns.
United Airlines is offering waivers to travels who booked flights to airports in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. The airline is offering free rescheduling for flights headed to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Air Canada is offering free rebooking for flights that were going to Puerto Vallarta.
23:15
Cartel members are seen exchanging fire with forces, video shows
Footage captures intense clashes between CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) and Mexican law enforcement in La Desembocada. pic.twitter.com/EiFRDYYs7G
Police in Cancun urge against sharing unverified information
Police in Cancun are urging the public against sharing unverified information to prevent the spread of false information.
In a notice reposted to Facebook by the mayor of the Benito Juárez municipality — where Cancun is located —- police said they are conducting 'surveillance' and 'operational' actions,
Authorities urged residents to stay informed through official sources.
In 2020, it carried out a spectacular assassination attempt with grenades and high-powered rifles in the heart of Mexico City against the then head of the capital´s police force and now federal security secretary.
The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states.
It is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. market and, like the Sinaloa cartel, earns billions from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamines.
Sinaloa, however, has been weakened by infighting after the loss of its leaders Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, both in U.S. custody.
22:50
Pictured: Mexican National Guard takes over amid violence
22:45
Air Canada to passengers: Do not go to the airport in Puerto Vallarta
On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta 'due to an ongoing security situation' and advised customers not to go to their airport.
22:30
All schools closed in Jalisco after cartel chaos unfolds on streets
The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states.
Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.
Jalisco canceled school in the state for Monday.
22:20
President Sheinbaum urges calm
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged her people to remain calm and stay informed following the army's raid on Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes.
'There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm,' she posted on X.
Sheinbaum added that the Security Cabinet will be providing updates on social media as she touted the work of the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet.
'We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.'
La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional reportó el operativo llevado a cabo esta mañana por el Ejército mexicano y la Guardia Nacional, que derivó en diversos bloqueos y otras reacciones.
Existe absoluta coordinación con gobiernos de todos los estados; debemos mantenernos…
Chaos and disorder: Public transport busses are seen in flames on the streets of Jalisco
21:30
Who was Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes?
The Mexican Army killed Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, according to high ranking officials who spoke with local publications.
El Mencho was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.
He was the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted in the US.
The US government was offering a reward of $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
