India, United States, Canada issue Mexico travel alerts after cartel violence erupts

India, Canada, and the United States have warned their citizens who are in Mexico or are planning to visit, to remain cautious following the violent unrest triggered by the killing of drug lord Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera.The Indian Embassy in Mexico urged Indian nationals to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution. There were “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity” in several regions, the Embassy of India in Mexico said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 23.

Indian citizens in Jalisco State — including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara — as well as in Tamaulipas (including Reynosa), parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León have been advised to “shelter in place until further notice”.
The advisory asked citizens to avoid areas near law enforcement activity, stay away from crowds and minimise unnecessary movement. It also directed them to monitor local media, follow instructions from authorities and dial 911 in case of emergency.Indian nationals have been encouraged to keep family and friends informed of their whereabouts through phone, text, and social media.

The Embassy has shared a helpline number: +52 55 4847 7539.

The US Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued Travel Advisory Level 2 for Mexico and asked its citizens to “exercise increased caution” due to “terrorism, crime, and kidnapping” in the country.

The Canadian government also urged its nationals to exercise a “high degree of caution” and released a safety and security information on violence and roadblocks in Mexico.Violence breaks out after killing of Oseguera

The advisory comes amid violent protests following the killing of Oseguera, widely known as “El Mencho”.

Oseguera, 60, was killed during a Mexican military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday, February 22. He had founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which expanded into one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations.

Mexico’s defence ministry said he died in custody after being injured in the raid, as per news agency Reuters. Mexican forces reportedly led the operation with intelligence support from the United States.

Following reports of his death, cartel members retaliated by blocking highways with burning vehicles and torching businesses across multiple states, paralysing parts of the country.

Security experts say that El Mencho’s death could spark internal power struggles and prolonged violence, as per Reuters.

In Puerto Vallarta, tourists described scenes resembling a “war zone” on social media as smoke rose over the bay, as per Reuters.

Airlines including United Airlines, American Airlines and Air Canada suspended flights to affected destinations.