What Happened
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reported that over 8,000 Canadians in Mexico have reached out to Global Affairs in the past day, raising the total number of registered Canadians in the country to over 26,000. This surge in communication comes in the wake of escalating violence linked to cartel activities, particularly following the death of notorious cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ in Jalisco state.
Why It Matters
The situation in Mexico has prompted the Canadian government to advise its citizens to shelter in place. Airlines have canceled flights, leaving thousands of Canadians stranded. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has described the current state of the country as ‘calm,’ but the violence has resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of 25 National Guard members and over 30 cartel operatives. Experts warn that further violence is likely as the power vacuum created by the death of ‘El Mencho’ may lead to increased conflict among rival factions.
What’s Next
Anand’s Mexican counterpart has indicated that he expects the situation to normalize in the coming days. However, Canadians are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety directives. The Canadian government continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary.
