Americans stranded as violence erupts following death of ‘El Mencho’

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, widely recognized as “El Mencho,” was reported dead on Sunday following an operation by Mexican army forces aimed at his capture in Jalisco. This incident has triggered violent reprisals, leading to the stranding of American citizens and the issuance of urgent travel warnings.

White House officials report that Mexican troops aimed to capture Oseguera Cervantes alive during a morning raid in western Mexico. During the operation, he sustained gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries while in the hospital. U.S. authorities announced a $15 million reward for information that could lead to his arrest, while the White House confirmed it had provided intelligence support for the operation.

Authorities reported the death of three more cartel members, the injuries of three others, and the arrest of two individuals.

In a swift response, cartel members set vehicles ablaze and obstructed highways across several states, employing a strategy commonly aimed at hindering military efforts. Smoke billowed across sections of Jalisco as incendiary vehicles caused significant disruptions to major thoroughfares.

Governor Pablo Lemus of Jalisco has urged residents to remain indoors due to the suspension of public transportation services. He emphasized that the state is currently experiencing critical hours.

The U.S. Department of State has issued a shelter-in-place alert for American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León due to ongoing security operations in the region. Numerous airlines have announced the cancellation of flights affecting approximately twelve states in western Mexico.

Among those impacted is TJ Perry from Dallas, who traveled to Puerto Vallarta for a birthday celebration and was set to return home on Sunday.

In an interview with FOX 4, Perry stated, "We unexpectedly started receiving notifications of delayed flights, and essentially, everything was under a code red." "I believe that's the most straightforward way to understand it, similar to a complete lockdown."

Perry reported that hotel staff indicated there was police activity and potential cartel involvement, leading guests to seek information online.

Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising prominently from the northern area, filling the sky. Sources report that the cartel's retaliatory actions have led to the setting of vehicles ablaze.

Perry characterized the typically bustling tourist streets as “eerie,” noting that he and his group are staying inside their hotel and feel secure. Officials have not provided a timeline for the resumption of flights.

Perry described Puerto Vallarta as "just a beautiful place." “It is indeed disheartening to witness the unfolding events.”

Officials in Texas are advising travelers currently in Mexico to follow the State Department's guidance and stay in secure locations as developments unfold.