The Mexican state of Jalisco will continue to be on high alert on Monday, with public transportation and schools remaining shut, as confirmed by the state’s governor on Sunday. This decision comes after a day of unrest in Puerto Vallarta following reports of the demise of a prominent figure in one of Mexico’s most influential criminal organizations.
The skyline of Puerto Vallarta was tainted with smoke from burning vehicles, causing chaos in the popular tourist spot on the Pacific coast. Similar incidents unfolded in Guadalajara, the state capital, and in various locations across multiple states on Sunday.
Numerous airlines opted to cancel flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, with some flights rerouting before reaching the city. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro addressed the public through a video message, indicating that the state of emergency would persist, but he anticipated a return to normalcy in the coming days.
The state attorney general of Jalisco reported that 25 individuals were apprehended following a day marked by blockades, fires, and looting. The attorney general’s office disclosed that vehicles of different kinds were set ablaze at 65 different sites across the state.
The escalation of violence coincided with the launch of a special forces operation by federal authorities to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Oseguera Cervantes sustained injuries during a clash with federal forces and succumbed to his wounds while en route to Mexico City, as stated by the Secretariat of National Defence.
The operation commenced in the municipality of Tapalpa, situated approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Puerto Vallarta. The National Defence Secretariat confirmed that four CJNG members were killed during the operation, and three were wounded, including El Mencho, who all passed away during transportation. Additionally, two individuals were taken into custody.
Reports of violence have emerged from states like Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi. The attorney general of Michoacán disclosed that four fatalities resulted from five encounters between security forces and armed groups.
Despite the turbulence, federal authorities asserted that they were making strides towards restoring order. The federal Security Secretariat announced the clearance of 17 out of 21 blockades, many involving burning vehicles, throughout Jalisco.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commended the efforts of the nation’s security forces, emphasizing the prevailing normalcy in most parts of the country.
Gladys McCormick, an academic specializing in Latin American history at the University of Syracuse, warned that the demise of El Mencho could trigger a surge in violence. She highlighted his pivotal role within one of Mexico’s most violent criminal factions and anticipated a power struggle in response to his absence.
McCormick noted that the CJNG is entangled in conflicts with rival criminal groups, further fueling the already volatile situation. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand expressed deep concern over the reported violence in Mexico, with Global Affairs Canada updating its travel advisory for Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas in Jalisco.
Canadian carriers, including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Flair, canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta due to the ongoing security concerns. Travelers like Toronto resident Tim Spencer, who witnessed the chaos firsthand, shared accounts of the city engulfed in flames and the cancellation of their flights amid the turmoil.
Air Canada stated on social media that operations were temporarily suspended in Puerto Vallarta, pending resolution of the security issues. The situation prompted Global Affairs Canada to advise Canadians in Jalisco to maintain a low profile, stay informed via local media, and adhere to directives from authorities.