Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A sudden surge of violence in the Mexican state of Jalisco, including road blockades and clashes between federal authorities and armed groups, has prompted Canada to issue a shelter-in-place order for its citizens in Puerto Vallarta. The escalating situation has also led to the cancellation of numerous flights to and from the region, leaving many travelers stranded.
Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory on , warning Canadians in Jalisco to “keep a low profile, monitor media and follow the orders of local authorities.” The advisory specifically notes that all taxi and rideshare services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended. The situation unfolded following a federal operation targeting the municipality of Tapalpa, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Puerto Vallarta, according to Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro.
Governor Navarro stated via social media that the violence was triggered by the federal operation, resulting in the burning of vehicles and the blocking of roads “in various parts of the region and other areas of Jalisco to hinder the flow of people.”
While initial reports circulating internationally suggested the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), these remain unconfirmed by official sources. The CJNG is widely considered one of Mexico’s most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations. The timing of the federal operation and the subsequent violence strongly suggest a direct attempt to dismantle the cartel’s leadership and operations.
The impact on air travel has been significant. Air Canada announced the temporary suspension of operations to Puerto Vallarta airport on , citing the ongoing security situation. WestJet has diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled an additional 24 flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo. Sunwing is reportedly arranging extended stays for passengers already at these locations. Both WestJet and Air Canada have implemented flexible change policies for affected travelers.
Toronto resident Tim Spencer, currently vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, described witnessing the early stages of the unrest. “Fires started flaring in the city early in the morning,” he said. “I went up to the roof of the Villa Divina hotel and saw corner stores and cars in flames. Everything’s just covered in smoke here at the moment… Grey and smoggy everywhere and the smell, it’s just like that electrical fuel, gross fire smell.” Spencer’s flight to Denver, connecting to Toronto, was cancelled.
The escalation of violence in Jalisco underscores the persistent challenges Mexico faces in combating organized crime and drug trafficking. The CJNG has been increasingly assertive in recent years, challenging the authority of the state and engaging in brazen acts of violence. The cartel’s control over key territories and its ability to mobilize resources pose a significant threat to regional stability.
The federal government’s operation in Tapalpa appears to have been a direct attempt to disrupt the CJNG’s operations, but the resulting backlash demonstrates the cartel’s capacity for retaliation. The use of road blockades and burning vehicles is a tactic frequently employed by criminal groups in Mexico to exert control over territory and intimidate both security forces and the civilian population.
The shelter-in-place order issued by Global Affairs Canada reflects the severity of the situation and the potential risks to Canadians traveling in the region. The suspension of taxi and rideshare services further complicates matters, leaving tourists and residents with limited transportation options. The Canadian government’s advice to monitor media and follow the instructions of local authorities is crucial for ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The situation in Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco highlights the broader security concerns facing Mexico, particularly in regions where powerful criminal organizations operate with impunity. While the Mexican government has pledged to crack down on organized crime, the recent events demonstrate the difficulty of achieving lasting stability in the face of deeply entrenched criminal networks. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on tourism and economic activity.
The unfolding events also raise questions about the effectiveness of Mexico’s security strategy and the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the root causes of violence, including poverty, corruption, and lack of economic opportunity. The long-term implications of this latest surge in violence remain to be seen, but the security situation in Jalisco is volatile and requires sustained attention from both the Mexican government and the international community.
