Authorities in the western Mexican state of Jalisco declared a statewide "Code Red" on Sunday after a high-profile security operation in the town of Tapalpa that officials said resulted in the death of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of one of the country's most powerful drug cartels. Oseguera, who headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, had been among the most wanted fugitives in both Mexico and the United States.
In a statement posted to X, Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro of Jalisco said federal forces had carried out an operation in Tapalpa in the early hours of Sunday, leading to confrontations.
"Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to confrontations in the area," Lemus wrote. "Also as a result of this operation, in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles to hinder the action of the authorities."
He added: "I have given the instruction to immediately set up the security committee with authorities from all three levels of government and to activate the red code in order to prevent acts against the population."
Roadblocks were reported across Guadalajara, the state capital. Flights were diverted from the airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara until further notice.
In Puerto Vallarta, thick columns of black smoke were seen rising over the city, where vehicles were reportedly set ablaze in different locations. Public transportation services were suspended as a precaution, and hotels advised guests to remain indoors. Some businesses temporarily closed.
Residents across Jalisco circulated informal warnings through neighborhood chat groups urging people to stay inside and avoid nonessential travel. Security forces maintained a visible presence, though officials released few operational details.
The governor of the neighboring state of Michoacán, Alfredo Bedolla, said that 13 municipalities there were experiencing similar unrest. The newspaper Milenio reported additional disturbances in Veracruz, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes and Guerrero.
Mexico's federal Security Ministry said it had implemented measures to quell the unrest and that its priority was to "ensure the security and protection of citizens."
The United States Embassy in Mexico City instructed American citizens in Jalisco — including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara — as well as in Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León, to shelter in place until further notice.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
