Following the Mexican Army's killing of a Mexican cartel overlord known as El Mencho, the U.S. Embassy in that country has issued a shelter-in-place directive to Americans in some areas. Violence and unrest after the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, who was leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, necessitated that order.
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Unrest Ensued Because of the Operation That Killed El Mencho
Per the Associated Press, "The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states." Smoke could be seen over the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.
Air Canada reportedly suspended its flights to that location because of what is happening there. Vehicles that were in flames made some roads all but impassable in Guadalajara. Also per the outlet, "Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation." School is called off in Jalisco on Monday.
What the U.S. Embassy Is Telling American Citizens in Mexico
Americans in these locations in Mexico are affected by the shelter-in-place security alert. They are "Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State." The shelter in place will be in effect "until further notice."
There is also some additional advice given in that security alert. It is suggested that people stay away from crowds and law enforcement activity, look for updates via local media, let friends and family know your whereabouts, notice your surroundings, and call 911 in the event of an emergency.
The United States Has Been Particularly Eager for the Apprehension of El Mencho
There was a reward of "up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho," according to the AP. In fact, the cartel that he led was recently labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. So taking him down was clearly a key objective.
Furthermore, Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president, has reportedly been feeling the scrutiny to cut down on drug trafficking.
The downside of El Mencho's elimination, however, is the violence it has apparently triggered.
