Violence erupts in Mexico amid a military operation that kills a cartel leader

Clashes erupted in parts of western Mexico on Sunday during a military operation that led to the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, sparking security concerns across the region.

The Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” during an operation in the west of Jalisco, said US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, describing the cartel leader as “one of the most brutal and brutal drug victims.”

“This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. Good people are stronger than bad,” he told X.

The operation followed hours of traffic jams in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are often used by cartels to thwart military operations.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro opened “code red,” which is a protocol for an emergency or security crisis, in response to conflicts. In a text written on X, he said that public transportation has been suspended throughout Jalisco and urged the people of the area to stay in their homes until the situation is under control.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke in the city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco’s largest city, running from the airport in the state capital in panic.

The US State Department issued a security alert advising US citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, to take shelter until further notice.

Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations at the Puerto Vallarta airport due to what it described as the “ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta” that has impacted the airport.

“We are monitoring the situation and are in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve this issue,” the airline said.

Southwest and Alaska Airlines confirmed they canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, while Delta Air Lines issued travel waivers for customers flying into and out of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports.

“The safety of our customers and employees always comes first and we are closely monitoring the situation in the region. We have taken steps to adjust our operations accordingly and are working to communicate with our affected customers,” Delta said in a statement.

The US State Department had issued a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest.

In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.