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Mexican authorities report that the security situation in Jalisco has stabilized following a wave of cartel violence that erupted after the death of notorious drug kingpin Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
According to a statement from the Mexican Embassy in the United States, federal and state authorities have successfully implemented targeted security operations throughout the western state, allowing for the reopening of major transportation corridors and the restoration of public services.
“The security situation has now stabilized following targeted operations in Jalisco,” the embassy announced in a social media post. “Federal and state authorities are proceeding to reopen transit corridors and restore public services smoothly.”
This development comes as welcome news for hundreds of American tourists who became stranded in popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara when violence erupted following Sunday’s military operation that resulted in El Mencho’s death. The operation, which Mexican officials confirmed was supported by U.S. intelligence, targeted one of Mexico’s most powerful cartel leaders.
El Mencho was the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations. The U.S. State Department had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture, making him one of the most wanted fugitives in Mexico.
In response to their leader’s death, cartel members set vehicles ablaze across the region and established roadblocks throughout Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital city. The ensuing violence significantly disrupted transportation networks and forced airports to operate at limited capacity.
Puerto Vallarta International Airport has now reopened to domestic flights, according to the embassy, with international carriers gradually resuming operations. “If traveling through Jalisco, some local security measures remain in place, while authorities are restoring airport operations to full capacity,” the embassy advised.
Despite these improvements, the State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico remains at Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) due to ongoing risks of crime and kidnapping. Certain Mexican states, including portions of Jalisco, carry higher risk designations of Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) or Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”), depending on local conditions.
The advisory urges American citizens to take similar precautions to those required of U.S. government employees, including avoiding intercity travel at night, using only regulated transportation services, and remaining aware that emergency services may be limited in some areas.
The State Department has reported receiving hundreds of calls on its 24/7 crisis hotline from Americans seeking assistance following the outbreak of violence. Officials say they are coordinating with international partners “to ensure safety and stability at all transit hubs and tourist destinations.”
Mexican authorities described the operation against El Mencho as part of “a broader national effort that has produced a sustained decrease in violence across Mexico in recent months.” This suggests the government is framing the action as part of a larger security strategy rather than an isolated operation.
The death of El Mencho marks a significant blow to the CJNG, which has been responsible for trafficking massive quantities of drugs into the United States and orchestrating extreme violence throughout Mexico. Security analysts will be watching closely to see whether his removal leads to a power struggle within the cartel or reduces its operational capacity.
For tourists and residents of Jalisco, the stabilization of security conditions offers immediate relief, though experts caution that the long-term implications of El Mencho’s death on Mexico’s complex cartel landscape remain uncertain.
Mexican officials have not provided specific details about casualties resulting from the weekend violence but have emphasized their commitment to maintaining the improved security situation in the affected regions.
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10 Comments
Cartel violence is an enduring challenge in parts of Mexico, so it’s good to see the authorities responding quickly to restore order in Jalisco. The stranded Americans must be relieved to finally make it home.
While the death of a cartel leader often leads to instability, it seems the Mexican government was able to act decisively to secure the region. Reopening transportation will be crucial for the local economy.
The stranded American tourists must be relieved to hear flights are resuming after the security lockdown. Jalisco is a popular destination, so stabilizing the region will help the local economy as well.
Absolutely, the tourism industry in Jalisco relies heavily on American visitors, so getting them home safely is crucial.
The cooperation between U.S. and Mexican intelligence in taking down El Mencho is an important development in the ongoing fight against cartel power. Securing transportation routes is a necessary first step.
The cooperation between Mexican and U.S. authorities to target El Mencho seems to have paid off, though the cartel violence remains a persistent challenge. Glad to hear the transportation links are being restored.
While the death of a cartel leader is often followed by further unrest, it’s encouraging that the Mexican government was able to quickly regain control of the situation in Jalisco. Restoring public services is an important step.
The security situation in Jalisco is an important indicator for the broader fight against cartel power in Mexico. Restoring public services and transportation is a positive step, though the threat remains.
Agreed, the cartel violence is an ongoing challenge that requires sustained effort by Mexican authorities to control. But this is an encouraging development.
Interesting to see the security situation stabilizing in Jalisco after the cartel violence. I hope this leads to a safer environment for the stranded Americans to return home.