Mexico Cartel violence erupts in Puerto Vallarta after killing of Jalisco drug kingpin
The killing of a Jalisco drug kingpin set off days of chaos in Puerto Vallarta, and mexico cartel members allegedly torched cars and shops that sent tourists and residents into hiding. The military said it killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed "El Mencho, " the leader of the New Generation drug cartel.
Smoke, flames and burned-out vehicles filled the streets
Videos from Puerto Vallarta showed smoke filling the sky and burned-out shells of vehicles on city streets after shops and cars were set ablaze, allegedly by cartel members. Damaged stores were heavily scorched, and a video showed several cars in the parking lot of a Costco set ablaze.
Mexican military says it killed El Mencho 180 miles east of Puerto Vallarta
Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho, " in a shoot-out 180 miles east of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco. Mexico had posted a $15 million reward for his capture.
Mexico Cartel response shutters Puerto Vallarta streets
A day after the violence began, streets were deserted Monday as locals and tourists heeded remain-in-place orders. Schools in several states canceled classes, and road closures affected some travelers’ ability to get to airports, U. S. and Mexican embassy and consulate.
Tourists and residents describe two waves of attacks
Marcus Brady, a Chicago resident currently in Puerto Vallarta, shared videos of the violence and said he thought the cartel’s intent was to send a message to the government and to American and Canadian tourists that "If we want to, we will take complete control of everything and everyone here, no one can stop us. " Brady said the violence happened in two waves starting early Sunday morning: first, a few cars were set on fire on the main road and bridges in and out of the Zona Romántica area, much of that taking place in an area behind foothills; then a second wave targeted inside the Zona Romántica, with buses and taxis positioned at intersections as barricades that were later set on fire to keep them burning all day.
People sheltering, chased and forced to flee
Jim Beck, an American tourist who sheltered in his Puerto Vallarta hotel, said they saw taxicabs blown up and blocking the streets and people running. Yoni Pizer said he, his husband and friends had to run for their lives after gunmen began following them and shooting; the gunmen attacked cars and pulled out drivers, and Pizer’s SUV was torched before a passerby helped them get away.
Airport scenes and local reactions
Video on social media showed sirens blaring and passengers and workers running through the airport in Puerto Vallarta, and images showed a long line of people hiding behind ticket counters. It was unclear why the sirens went off or why people were running. Steven Polito said in an essay that he was struck by how "unusually quiet it was" when he went to the gym at 8: 30 a. m.; when he left around 10: 00 a. m., it was a very different scene. The remainder of Polito’s essay was unclear in the provided context.
Authorities said the military operation that killed El Mencho occurred in Jalisco, and the violence that followed sent residents and tourists into hotels and other shelters. It is unclear in the provided context what officials planned next or what the next confirmed actions will be.
