Situation worsens after death of drug mafia in Mexico, consultation continues, flights cancelled…

Washington. Violence has spread after a military operation on Sunday killed Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, leader of Mexico’s notorious drug lord and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In view of the worsening situation, America and Canada have issued advisories to their citizens and advised them to stay in safe places i.e. ‘shelter-in-place’.

CNN, CBS and Fox News reports quoted US officials as saying that the violence had led to the cancellation of domestic and international flights in major cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Taxi and ride-share services were also closed in Puerto Vallarta. Many businesses have temporarily halted work.

The United States has specifically asked its citizens and government employees in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to remain vigilant, stay away from crowds, avoid non-essential travel and follow the instructions of local authorities.

In fact, the Mexican Army surrounded 59-year-old El Mencho during a major operation in the Tapalpa area of ​​Jalisco state on Sunday. During this encounter, four cartel members were killed on the spot. El Mencho was seriously injured and later died on the way to the hospital. Three Mexican soldiers were also injured in this operation.

America was looking for El Mencho for a long time. America had announced a reward of 15 million dollars (about Rs 125 crore) for information about his arrest. After his death, people suspected to be associated with the cartel set buses on fire at many places, blocked roads and clashed with security forces. It caused tension in the whole area

Several airlines, including American Airlines and Air Canada, halted flights to Puerto Vallarta following the violence. Due to this some tourists were stranded for some time. “Due to the ongoing large-scale security operation in several areas of Mexico, including road blocks and criminal activity, citizens should remain in place until further notice,” the US Department of State’s Consular Affairs Section said in a statement issued on Friday.

“It said, “Airline operations have been affected due to the road block. Some domestic and international flights have been canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.” Canada said it was monitoring the situation closely.

Canada advised its citizens living in Mexico to “keep a low profile and follow the advice of local authorities.” Meanwhile, US carriers United, American, Southwest and Alaska, as well as Canadian airlines Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing announced flight cancellations to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo.

Several airlines said some flights had to turn back en route to Mexico. Southwest said it would send planes to Mexico to repatriate its stranded passengers and staff once conditions return to normal. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has praised the work of the agencies involved in the military operation against El Mencho. “We work every day for the peace, security, justice and well-being of Mexico,” he said.