GUADALAJARA, MX — The fall of Mexico’s most-wanted fugitive has triggered a wave of “narco-blockades,” arson, and deadly clashes. Following the death of “El Mencho,” suspected cartel operatives set fire to buildings and vehicles to block major transit routes, while an estimated 25 National Guard members lost their lives in the ensuing firefights.
The Operation: How the Kingpin Fell
The operation was a coordinated strike led by Mexican federal forces in the state of Jalisco:
- The Intelligence: Authorities reportedly tracked one of Oseguera Cervantes’ romantic partners to a hideout in the town of Tapalpa.
- The Firefight: Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla confirmed that El Mencho and two bodyguards attempted to flee into a wooded area. A shootout ensued, leaving all three men seriously wounded.
- The Death: Captured while still alive, the kingpin died from his injuries while being transported via helicopter to Mexico City.
US State Department: Urgent Shelter-in-Place Order
The US Embassy in Mexico has issued an expansive security alert, directing government personnel and private citizens to exercise extreme caution:
- Shelter-in-Place: Directed for citizens in Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara), Baja California (Tijuana, Ensenada), and Nayarit.
- Travel Restrictions: US government staff in Monterrey must remain in the metropolitan area, and all travel to Mazatlán is prohibited through Wednesday.
- Alert States: High-security warnings are also active for Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, and Veracruz.
Aviation Chaos: Stranded Tourists
The violence has spilled into major tourism hubs, severely impacting air travel:
- Guadalajara (GDL): Hundreds of passengers remain stranded at the airport as limited flights depart. The US Embassy suggests booking connecting flights through other Mexican cities if direct US flights are canceled.
- Puerto Vallarta (PVR): Popular with American tourists, the city is seeing major flight disruptions due to “flight crew availability” issues as airline staff are caught in the regional lock-down.
- Normal Operations Elsewhere: All other Mexican airports, including Mexico City and Cancún, currently report normal operations, though travelers are urged to check flight statuses frequently.