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Travelers return to US amid Mexico violence
The operation and subsequent cartel reprisals resulted in over 70 deaths and significant travel disruptions, including canceled flights in tourist hubs like Puerto Vallarta.
LOS ANGELES - The death of Mexico's most powerful drug lord has ignited fears of prolonged instability and economic fallout across the state of Jalisco.
As the military maintains a heavy presence, local business owners and international tourists alike are questioning the future safety of the region.
What we know:
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed Sunday following a shootout with the Mexican military after authorities tracked a romantic partner to his hideout in Tapalpa.
The operation, which received intelligence support from the United States, led to the deaths of over 70 people during the initial firefight and resulting cartel retaliations.
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The crackdown comes amid intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs and unilateral military action if Mexico does not curb cartel activity. In the aftermath, cities like Puerto Vallarta have seen explosions and smoke, leading to stranded travelers and canceled flights.
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Violence in Mexico continues a day after "El Mencho's" death
Heavily armed Mexican security forces kept up their battle with cartel gunmen following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.
What we don't know:
It remains unclear if the current military perimeter in towns like Tapalpa will become a permanent fixture or how long the retaliatory violence will persist.
While the government maintains the 2026 FIFA World Cup is secure, the long-term impact on Jalisco's tourism-dependent economy is yet to be determined.
What they're saying:
Local shop owner Maria Dolores Aguirre expressed deep concern for the future, stating, "It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage." She noted that following the global news of the violence, "people are going to think twice about coming."
Meanwhile, President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed safety concerns for upcoming international events, telling reporters there is "every guarantee" and "no risk" for soccer fans.
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From the perspective of a visitor, Steve Perkins of Oklahoma described the scene in Puerto Vallarta as terrifying, noting, "There’s a lot of Americans trapped here."
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Americans recount terror in Mexico following El Mencho's death
Some Americans returning to LAX described the terror they saw and experienced as clashes erupted between Mexican soldiers and cartel members following the death of El Mencho.
What's next:
The Mexican government is expected to increase security deployments in Guadalajara and surrounding tourist zones ahead of the June World Cup matches to reassure international FIFA officials.
Observers are also watching for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s formal response or the emergence of a new successor, which could dictate the level of violence in the coming weeks.
The Source: This report is based on official briefings by Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla and President Claudia Sheinbaum, alongside confirmation of intelligence support from the White House. Local details were gathered by the Associated Press through direct interviews with residents in Tapalpa and stranded tourists in Puerto Vallarta who witnessed the immediate aftermath of the military operation.