Source: Irish Mirror (Story by Rachel Vickers-Price and Jessica Coates PA)
The UK government has issued an urgent travel warning for Britons who are either in or planning to travel to Mexico in the wake of an uptick of violence following the military slaying of a drug cartel kingpin.
Local news sources reported on Sunday, February 22, that the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes had been killed during a military raid in the country’s western state of Jalisco.
The death of the notorious druglord, better known by his alias ‘El Mencho’, was confirmed later on Sunday by the government.
El Mencho’s death has triggered mass unrest in Jalisco, with unrest and violence spilling onto the street, including in tourist hot spots of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Supposed cartel members armed with guns were reported opening fire into crowds at an airport, while elsewhere vehicles have been set on fire, businesses are being torched, alleged gang members have clashed with security forces in the streets, and – as per Mexico’s Security Cabinet – more than 250 roadblocks reported across 20 Mexican states.
As a result, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice issued on Monday.“Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa,” the UK Government warning states.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.”
Britons were also advised to monitor local media and follow guidance from authorities.
“If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours,” official advice reads. “Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by the United States Embassy in Mexico, which urged its citizens to “shelter in place”.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced it had cancelled “all international operations and most of the domestic flights” on Sunday local time.