The Foreign Office has issued an urgent travel warning for Britons in Mexico, urging them to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel following a surge of violence after the death of a drug cartel leader.
Mexico's army confirmed on Sunday that it had killed cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco. His death triggered hours of roadblocks and vehicles set ablaze across the state, including in the tourist hotspots of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
In updated travel advice on Monday, the Foreign Office stated: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked.”
The US Embassy in Mexico echoed the warning, urging Americans to “shelter in place”. Britons were advised to monitor local media and follow guidance from authorities. The Foreign Office added: “If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours. Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”
Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced it had cancelled “all international operations and most of the domestic flights” on Sunday local time.
