Europe Urges Mexico Citizens to Shelter as Cartel Violence Surges
The unrest erupted after Mexican federal security forces launched a military operation Sunday targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Tapalpa — a town roughly 130 kilometers (80 miles) south of Guadalajara — triggering a wave of violence that rapidly spread beyond the operation's immediate zone.
Reports indicate that cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," died after sustaining serious injuries during transport following the raid. Long regarded as one of Mexico's most powerful and elusive drug lords, his reported death appeared to set off coordinated retaliation across multiple states, with widespread road blockades and incidents of vehicle and business arson reported in Jalisco and beyond.
The Jalisco state government declared a "red alert," suspended public transportation, and called on residents to shelter in place as authorities worked to contain the fallout.
Britain's Foreign Office was among the first to respond, urging nationals to remain indoors and avoid all non-essential travel following what it described as "serious security incidents" reported on Feb. 22 in Jalisco — including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta — in the wake of the federal operation in Tapalpa. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta separately warned that routes to the city's airport may be obstructed.
Belgium's Embassy in Mexico echoed the alarm, advising travelers to avoid unnecessary movement throughout Jalisco, cautioning that highway closures were possible, and urging citizens to monitor credible local sources until conditions improve.
Italy's Embassy in Mexico reported a more expansive picture of violence, citing roadblocks, shootings, and other dangerous episodes across Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán. It recommended that all Italian nationals — whether residents or tourists — suspend non-essential travel, avoid public gatherings, keep clear of active security operations, and adhere strictly to official guidance.
France issued parallel warnings, directing nationals in Jalisco — particularly those in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Tapalpa — to exercise extreme caution and remain indoors for the duration of ongoing operations. French authorities further flagged elevated risk in neighboring states, including Michoacán, Nayarit, Colima, Aguascalientes, and Tamaulipas.
Across all advisories, foreign ministries aligned on consistent guidance: avoid any areas where law enforcement is active, limit movement to essential needs only, remain alert to surroundings, and contact emergency services if needed.
Violence has been intensifying across multiple Mexican states in recent days, with Sunday's operation and its turbulent aftermath marking a sharp escalation in an already volatile security environment.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
