US, Canada issue shelter-in-place and travel warnings as chaos hits Mexican airports after forces killed drug lord 'El Mencho'

The US State Department on Sunday advised American citizens in Mexico to shelter in place as violence intensified after a military operation targeting a senior cartel leader. Officials cited roadblocks, security incidents, and widespread disruptions to air travel across multiple regions. Air traffic was significantly impacted, with flights affected at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports following the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as 'El Mencho', during a raid by Mexican forces. Air Canada temporarily halted service to Puerto Vallarta due to security concerns, while Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines reported flight cancellations and diversions as the situation continued to evolve.

"Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, US citizens should shelter in place until further notice," said a statement from the department's Consular Affairs section on social media platform X.



"Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic and international flights canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta," it said.

Cervantes, the 59-year-old head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was injured during a confrontation with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa and later died while being airlifted to Mexico City, the Mexican army said. 'El Mencho' had been one of the most wanted traffickers, with a $15 million US bounty on his head.

In response to the unrest, Canada said it was closely monitoring developments and urged Canadians in Mexico to keep a low profile and follow instructions from local authorities, reported AFP. Officials advised people in Michoacán, Guerrero, and Jalisco to shelter in place, citing reports of gunfights with security forces and explosions.

The violence also disrupted air travel. Several US and Canadian airlines canceled flights to parts of Mexico on Sunday as conditions deteriorated. American carriers United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, along with Canadian operators Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing Airlines, announced cancellations to destinations including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo as authorities worked to restore order.