A pregnant woman in her second trimester is among tourists trapped in Mexico as flights are grounded by a wave of cartel violence. Canadian Meghan Mahoney, on holiday in Puerto Vallarta, told CBC the situation was “scary,” with smoke visible on all sides.
Violence erupted after Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation in Jalisco on Sunday. Retaliatory attacks included roadblocks, shoot-outs, and arson at gas stations.
Mahoney and her husband were due to fly out that day but were advised to stay put. Their host warned against going out, and a nearby convenience store was burned an hour later. Other tourists, including Eugene Marchenko from South Carolina, witnessed cars ablaze and armed men forcing people from vehicles.
Dallas resident Adryan Moorefield called the violence a “complete shocker,” while Katy Holloman from California was told to shelter in place en route to the airport. Those who reached the terminal were locked down, surviving on granola bars.
The U.S. Department of State has urged Americans in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon, to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations and criminal activity.
