Cartel Violence Erupts in Mexico After El Mencho Killing

Authorities across western Mexico urged residents and tourists to remain indoors after a surge of coordinated violence. The unrest followed the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who was widely known as “El Mencho”, during a security operation on Sunday. Soon after reports of his death emerged, armed groups that are allegedly linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel launched a retaliatory attack across multiple states. These incidents also spread to the coastal resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

Local footage had captured burning vehicles, road blockades, and plumes of smoke rising above several urban areas. Consequently, authorities have shut schools, businesses, and transport networks while issuing stay-at-home advisories. Many residents and visitors found themselves stranded in shops and hotels as streets quickly emptied and emergency services struggled to respond.

Residents Recount Fear as Violence Grips Puerto Vallarta

Jerry Jones, a Nashville-born publisher who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for more than four years, said that he had “never experienced anything like this”. He usually “felt safer here than in his hometown”. However, the situation escalated rapidly after a reader shared a video of a bus being set ablaze.

Minutes later, Jones reported that he saw smoke stretching “all the way across the city”. While vehicles were parked across major roads and then torched. He added that more than 30 cars in one retail parking lot were destroyed. Meanwhile, residents received little official information during the early hours, and security forces did not appear in some neighborhoods until the afternoon.

As the unrest unfolded, community members began putting out fires themselves because firefighters were overwhelmed. At the same time, volunteers assisted tourists who lacked access to food after shops closed. Although one grocery store reopened later that evening. After seeing the long queue, Jones reported that it was “unbelievable”.

Tourists Stranded in Puerto Vallarta Amid Cartel Violence

Foreign visitors have also described scenes of confusion and alarm. Marc-André, a Canadian content creator, said that the usually calm resort town “looked like it was an absolute war zone”. He added that “there were fires everywhere.” Similarly, California-born YouTuber Paul Desmond described the situation as “very unusual” after sharing drone footage of a deserted motorway with smoke in the distance.

Several travelers reported that canceled flights and transport services halted operations. Dallas resident Adryan Moorefield called the experience a “complete shocker”. It was felt like “being in the twilight zone”. Another visitor, Tim Spencer from Toronto, said that he saw corner stores and cars in flames from a hotel rooftop.

By Monday afternoon, conditions appeared calmer, and limited taxi and rideshare services resumed. Nevertheless, many tourists remained uncertain about departure plans as consular services faced mounting requests. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that flights could gradually resume by Tuesday. Although officials warned that the security situation remained fluid.

Web Resources on Violence Eruption in Mexico after El Mencho’s Death

1. BBC.com: Mexico sends thousands of soldiers to stop violence after death of drug lord
2. CNN.com: US citizens in parts of Mexico urged to still shelter in place
3. NYPost.com: Trump quietly got Mexico to hand over 100 cartel leaders
4. AcademicBlock.com: El Mencho Killed in Mexico Military Operation