What Happened
Puerto Vallarta, a popular vacation destination for Canadians, has temporarily transformed into a war zone following the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.” He was killed during a military operation, prompting a violent backlash from his cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Reports indicate that cartel members have blocked roads, set vehicles on fire, and attacked various establishments across 20 Mexican states.
Why It Matters
The Mexican government has deployed 10,000 soldiers in the western region as a deterrent against escalating violence. The aftermath of El Mencho’s death has resulted in significant casualties, including at least 25 members of the National Guard and several cartel operatives. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reported that over 8,000 Canadians in Mexico have reached out for assistance, raising the total number of registered Canadians in the country to over 26,000.
What’s Next
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has described the situation as “calm” and expects it to normalize in the coming days. However, experts warn that further violence from the cartel is likely. Airlines have canceled flights, leaving thousands of Canadians stranded. The Canadian government is urging its citizens to shelter in place and follow local authorities’ directives.
