The advisory includes some of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations and was issued in the wake of the killing of a prominent cartel leader.
Violence erupts after Mexican army kills cartel boss ‘El Mencho’
Americans were told to evacuate to designated areas after Mexican troops killed cartel leader El Mencho, sparking violence in several Mexican states.
WASHINGTON – The U.S. State Department has expanded its shelter-in-place advisory for Americans living in Mexico to include popular tourist destinations amid escalating violence following the killing of a powerful drug cartel leader in a military operation.
American in the state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara. The state of Tamaulipas includes Reynosa and other municipalities. The U.S. government previously said areas in Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León should remain intact, citing security operations, roadblocks and criminal activity.
The advisory was later extended to Baja California, including Tijuana, Tecate and Ensenada. Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum; So are areas such as Sinaloa, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.
The warning came after a Feb. 22 military operation carried out by Mexico in coordination with the United States killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel known as “El Mencho.”
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that he is considering ground attacks on cartels in Mexico.
Airlines also canceled flights immediately after the attack. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a press conference on February 23 that flights are expected to resume on Monday, February 23 or Tuesday, February 24.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico said, “Although no airports are closed, the traffic blockade is impacting airline operations, with most domestic and international flights canceled at both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports. In Puerto Vallarta, all ride sharing has been suspended and some businesses have ceased operations.”
Americans seeking U.S. embassy or consulate assistance can call 1-888-407-4747 from the U.S. and Canada or +1 202-501-4444 from abroad.
