After a recent outbreak of violence triggered by the death of a well-known drug lord, Mexico has intensified security measures by sending thousands of military personnel to the streets, according to the country's security minister.
Defense Minister Ricardo Treviño reported that an additional 2,500 soldiers were dispatched to the western regions of the country on Monday, bringing the total number of deployed troops to around 9,500 since Sunday.
The situation escalated in 20 states following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," who was captured by Mexican special forces in the state of Jalisco.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is considered one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico, and its leader was one of the most wanted criminals in the country.
The security minister stated that as a result of the violence following his death, at least 25 National Guard soldiers were killed in the state of Jalisco.
According to Treviño, El Mencho was captured after security forces tracked his girlfriend, with whom he was in a relationship.
The drug lord sustained serious injuries in a shootout with his guards during the operation to capture him and died en route from Tepalcingo to Mexico City.
The Ministry of Defense reported that six of El Mencho's guards were also killed during the operation, and three soldiers were injured.
Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch stated that during the unrest following El Mencho's killing, a prison guard, a prosecutor, and 30 members of a criminal group were killed.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the army for the successful operation and noted that ensuring security in the country remains her priority.
"There is calm now, there is government, there are armed forces, and actions are coordinated," she said.
Following the news of El Mencho's death, his supporters began attacking in cities where the CJNG operates, blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire.
According to Sheinbaum, by Monday morning, the roadblocks had been cleared.
However, cartel members caused damage to dozens of banks and local businesses as a result of the arson.
In videos circulated on social media and verified by BBC Verify, tourists can be seen watching a military helicopter flying low over the beach in Puerto Vallarta, while smoke rose over the city.
On Sunday, the streets of many cities were deserted as authorities urged citizens to stay home.
BBC Verify also confirmed the authenticity of videos showing clashes between the National Guard and cartel members in San Isidro, located north of Guadalajara.
In one video, an armed man is seen shooting towards vehicles, while other footage shows bodies lying next to a car.
Surveillance footage from a restaurant shows a vehicle crashing into a National Guard truck while the cartel shoots at it around 11:00 AM local time.
The National Guard did not provide detailed information about the incident.
The U.S. offered a reward of $15 million for information leading to the capture of El Mencho.
The Ministry of Defense of Mexico clarified that the operation to capture El Mencho was conducted by the army with support from the National Guard and the Air Force, adding that information from the U.S. aided in his apprehension; however, Mexico confirmed that American forces did not participate in his killing.
Locals and tourists described the situation as "heartbreaking," as one of the country's most powerful cartels unleashed a wave of violence.
Videos taken by locals and tourists captured burned vehicles and plumes of smoke over cities, including Puerto Vallarta.
Jerry Jones, a Nashville native who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for over four years, said he had "never seen anything like this" and previously felt safer in the city than in his hometown.
Jones, the owner of a magazine for the LGBTQ+ community, moved to Mexico after retiring. He noted that locals were "shocked" by the events on Sunday when news of El Mencho's capture and the outbreak of violence broke.
"I first suspected something was wrong when one of our readers sent a video of a bus being set on fire," he added.
Soon he noticed smoke "on the other side of the city."
People parked cars across roads and set them on fire, including near a local store, where "more than 30 vehicles burned."
In a photograph, police are seen standing next to a burning bus, surrounded by other vehicles that were also damaged by fire.
On Sunday, mass riots began in Jalisco: organized crime set vehicles on fire following El Mencho's killing.
Although events unfolded rapidly, Jones noted that local authorities did not provide information, and he did not see any military or police until noon.
Residents and tourists in several states were advised to stay home, as most businesses, schools, and universities were closed.
Jones mentioned that after the violence began, some people were "trapped" in stores.
"When authorities realized what was happening, they announced a lockdown," he added, noting that the streets became "eerily quiet."
As information increased, locals began to band together for mutual aid.
As a result of the clashes following the drug lord's death, at least 25 National Guard soldiers were killed.
According to Jones, locals helped extinguish fires as firefighters were "overwhelmed" and supported tourists who had no access to food.
He reported that a local grocery store opened on Sunday evening, and the line to enter was "huge."
"I don't know what the next day will bring. I hope for peace," he added.
Jones expressed concern about the plight of locals and the impact on tourism.
"Puerto Vallarta is a strong place; we have weathered hurricanes and a pandemic together, and local businesses are coming together," he noted.
"In times like these, they help each other. I am sure we will survive and come out stronger," he concluded.
Marc-André, a Canadian content creator also living in Puerto Vallarta, described the usually calm resort as "a real war zone."
"Hundreds of cars were burning all over the city," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.
He noted that the atmosphere on the streets was "quiet and unsettling."
"Usually, you can hear music in Mexico, people enjoying life, but now there is a creepy silence," he added.
Marc-André, who lives with his family, said he had never felt unsafe in the city before.
"It's just awful to watch what is happening," he noted.
Another blogger, Paul Desmond, also shared his experience, calling it "incredible."
Desmond, who lives in Bucerías, showed drone footage of a deserted highway and smoke in the distance.
"This doesn't happen often in our lives. It's scary and upsetting," he said.
Many American and Canadian tourists also shared their impressions of the unrest.
Adrian Murfield from Dallas, who had been in Puerto Vallarta since last week, told CNN that the situation "completely shocked" him.
"It's like I stepped into another dimension," he added.
Murfield, who thought it was the perfect vacation spot, found himself in a difficult situation due to a canceled flight home.
Tim Spencer from Toronto, while in Puerto Vallarta, told CBC that he watched burning stores and cars from the roof of his hotel.
"I have never seen anything like this, and it's a bit scary," he noted.
Jim Beck, who went out for breakfast, saw "exploding taxis and roadblocks."
"Then everyone started running, screaming and yelling, and everyone was told to return to their hotels," he added.
Beck, who has been visiting this city for many years, said he had never felt in danger like this time.
Jeff Pass, a Canadian in the Puerto Vallarta area, reported that the situation has calmed down, but he and his partner still do not know when they can return home.
They tried to contact the Canadian consulate, but officials were "overwhelmed" with requests.
"We haven't heard back from the Canadian government, but the resort is treating us very well," he noted.
Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand urged Canadians to travel only under "safe conditions," adding that "the situation remains unstable."
She reported that more than 26,000 Canadians have registered with the Foreign Ministry for information on safety and travel.
Flight cancellations continued on Monday, leaving many stranded in Puerto Vallarta. The President of Mexico announced a possible resumption of flights later that same day and on Tuesday.
Air Canada confirmed that it would resume flights to Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, as well as flights from Toronto to Guadalajara on Wednesday.
