Mexico Cartel kingpin El Mencho killed as Puerto Vallarta erupts in smoke and flames
The killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho, ” set off violent reprisals that turned Puerto Vallarta into a scene of smoke, arson and chaos and prompted remain-in-place orders tied to the mexico cartel leader's death. Tourists and residents sheltered while fires, road closures and canceled classes disrupted travel and daily life.
Smoke, burned vehicles and deserted streets in Puerto Vallarta
Smoke filled the sky as the swanky beach town of Puerto Vallarta erupted into chaos after the government killed a drug kingpin. Shops and cars were set ablaze, allegedly by cartel members, and tourists and residents cowered in fear. Burned-out shells of vehicles remained on the streets and damaged stores were heavily scorched from flames. A day after the violence began, streets were deserted as locals and tourists heeded remain-in-place orders, and schools in several states canceled classes.
How the military operation ended El Mencho and the $15 million reward
Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho, " the head of the New Generation drug cartel, in a shoot-out. The operation occurred Sunday about 180 miles east of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco. Mexico had offered a $15 million reward for his capture.
Two waves of violence and barricades in the Zona Romántica, witnesses say
Marcus Brady, a Chicago resident who was in Puerto Vallarta and shared videos, said the violence happened in two waves starting early Sunday morning. He said the first wave saw a few cars set on fire on the main road and on bridges in and out of the Zona Romántica area, much of that behind the foothills. When those fires were dying down, many thought it was over, he said, but a second, worse wave was then directed inside the zone. Brady said buses and taxis positioned at intersections were put there overnight by cartel members and were later set on fire to ensure the disruption would last all day; he said the message was aimed at the Mexican government and at American and Canadian tourists: "If we want to, we will take complete control of everything and everyone here, no one can stop us. " Jim Beck, an American tourist who sheltered in his Puerto Vallarta hotel, said he saw taxicabs blown up and blocking streets and people running toward them, and that morning was the first time he actually felt fear.
Attacks on cars, airport chaos and travelers stranded
Multiple videos showed vehicles ablaze in public locations, including several cars in a large retail parking lot set on fire. Yoni Pizer said he, his husband and friends had to run for their lives to escape what he identified as members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Puerto Vallarta; he said the gunmen were following them and shooting, attacking cars and pulling out drivers. Pizer's SUV was torched, and a passerby helped them get away. Video on social media also showed sirens blaring and passengers and workers running through the Puerto Vallarta airport; it was unclear why the sirens went off or why people were running, and images showed a long line of people hiding behind ticket counters. Road closures affected some travelers' ability to reach airports, officials at U. S. and Mexican embassy and consulate offices said.
Quiet morning turned violent, residents and visitors describe the shift
Steven Polito, a drag performer who divides his time between New York City and Puerto Vallarta, said he was struck by how "unusually quiet it was" when he went to the gym at 8: 30 a. m. Sunday. He said that when he left around 10: 00 a. m., it was a very different scene. Other eyewitness accounts describe coordinated arson and blockades intended to terrify residents and visitors after the killing of the mexico cartel leader.
