A wave of violence swept across western Mexico on Sunday after the reported killing of notorious cartel boss, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, prompting authorities to place major areas on high alert, including the popular resort city of Puerto Vallarta.
The unrest erupted after Mexican military forces carried out a raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, targeting members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the country’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking groups.
Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was reportedly among those killed during the operation.
As news of his death spread, cartel gunmen retaliated by setting vehicles ablaze, blocking highways and clashing with federal forces across multiple states. Tourists in Puerto Vallarta were urged to remain inside as chaos unfolded in the streets.
The US State Department advised Americans in the region to shelter in place, with some visitors reporting that they were unable to leave.
“It looked like the whole city was on fire,” Colorado native Scott Posilkin, who is stranded in Puerto Vallarta, told The Post.
“We saw a bus in the middle of the road with people running out of it,” he said. “At first we thought it was an accident, but then a man with a gun came around the other side of the bus and waved it at us and told us to go back.
“We’re all processing. I think we’re all a little anxious. We’re just waiting to hear what the State Department tells us to do,” the 36-year-old marketing tech said. “Right now we’re sheltering in place, and we’re all just happy to be together and be safe.”
Another traveler wrote online: “We are here at a hotel in the hotel zone. Staying put until we get the all clear. All of the businesses in the area have closed.”
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro confirmed the military action and the subsequent violence.
“Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area,” he said on X.
“Also as a result of said operation in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.”
Navarro said much of the state had been placed under a “code red.”
“We reiterate the recommendation to avoid leaving your homes,” Navarro said. “The clashes are occurring in several federal entities.”
Local media reported that cartel members torched vehicles and erected barricades to obstruct security forces. In Puerto Vallarta, hotels kept guests indoors while smoke from burning cars filled the skyline.
Tension also spread to Guadalajara International Airport, where reports of gunfire triggered panic. Videos circulating online appeared to show passengers running for cover.
However, the Pacific Airport Group later said the Mexican National Guard had been deployed and insisted the airport remained operational.
“It is important to clarify that no incidents have been reported inside the facilities, and there is no risk to passengers, staff or visitors,” the statement said.
“The information and material circulating on social media do not correspond with any danger at the terminals, rather to the panic among passengers.”
Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to an ongoing security situation,” advising travelers not to proceed to the airport.
Beyond Jalisco, unrest was reported in Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes and Veracruz, where businesses closed and schools were ordered shut.
Authorities also postponed major public events as federal reinforcements were deployed to contain the violence.
Oseguera Cervantes, a former police officer who rose to power after the capture and conviction of Joaquin Guzman, had long been one of Mexico’s most wanted criminals.
The United States had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture, and he had faced multiple indictments in Washington, DC, on drug trafficking charges.
According to reports, the 53-year-old cartel leader was killed during the Tapalpa raid after military personnel came under attack.
“During this operation, military personnel were attacked, so in defense of their integrity, they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the CJNG criminal group being killed at the scene and three seriously injured who lost their lives during their transfer by air to Mexico City,” Mexican defense officials said in a statement.
Oseguera Cervantes was among those who died in transport.
In the hours that followed, coordinated retaliatory attacks by cartel gunmen paralyzed large swaths of western and central Mexico, leaving residents and tourists waiting anxiously for authorities to restore order.
