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- Tourists in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta told to shelter in place as cartel violence erupts (businessinsider.com)
Tourists Urged to Shelter in Place as Cartel Violence Erupts in Mexico
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico – American and Canadian tourists in parts of Mexico found themselves in an unexpected predicament Sunday, as the U.S. and Canadian governments issued “shelter in place” advisories following a surge in cartel-related violence. The unrest, which saw burning vehicles and plumes of smoke rise from popular tourist hubs like Puerto Vallarta, is reportedly a retaliation for the killing of a prominent cartel leader.
Videos circulating online depicted scenes of chaos, with cars set ablaze near a Costco and other establishments in Puerto Vallarta. The escalating situation led to several flights bound for the region turning around mid-air, and Air Canada announced a suspension of its operations to Puerto Vallarta for Sunday and Monday.
“While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta,” stated the U.S. State Department, urging travelers to “seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels.”
As the violence spread, the State Department broadened its travel warning to encompass other highly frequented tourist destinations in Mexico, including Cancún and Tulum.
Puerto Vallarta, a city renowned for its picturesque beaches and its nostalgic connection to the 70s and 80s show “The Love Boat,” is a particularly popular destination for North American tourists.
Mexican authorities confirmed that the retaliatory actions followed the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on Sunday.
This incident follows recent actions by the U.S. State Department, which last week sanctioned Kovay Gardens – a Mexican timeshare resort – along with 17 other companies and five individuals.
These entities were linked to “timeshare fraud schemes” allegedly orchestrated by the Jalisco cartel. Many of these individuals and businesses are reportedly based in or around Puerto Vallarta, a location identified as a strategic stronghold for the CJNG.
The U.S. State Department had previously offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Cervantes, citing the cartel’s history of violence against rival trafficking groups and law enforcement under his leadership.
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- Tourists in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta told to shelter in place as cartel violence erupts (businessinsider.com)