The US State Department has issued a security alert for all Americans stranded in Mexico after chaos erupted when the army killed the leader of a powerful cartel.
The intense commotion and code red warning was triggered in the early hours of Sunday, when the Mexican Army went into the rustic town of Tapalpa, which is about 170 miles southeast of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco.
They killed Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes, according to high-ranking officials who spoke with local publications.
El Mencho was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexicos most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, and people sprinting through the airport of the states capital in panic.
On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta due to an ongoing security situation and advised customers not to go to their airport.
Follow along for live updates.
Terrified tourists in Puerto Vallarta watch shops and pharmacies get torched
People on social media have reported being stranded in Puerto Vallarta, where thick columns of smoke can be seen rising above the city. At least ten vehicles throughout the city were reported as having been set on fire.
One user on Facebook wrote: 'My daughter is there now at an Airbnb, I just talked with her and the whole town is on lockdown, she is safe as we speak but it's a very scary situation.'
Another user wrote: 'We are at Villa del Palmar in Puerto Vallarta and black smoke all around, no buses or taxis, flights cancelled, stores closed, not going anywhere. Was going to sit at beach but smoke smell was terrible and was told it could be toxic.'
Other people on Reddit said they were about to hop on a flight to the Pacific coastal city just before they heard the news.
'I was AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL waiting to go there when we heard this was happening,' said a user on Reddit. '[I'm] In the car going back home. All flights to PV (Puerto Vallarta) grounded indefinitely,' the user wrote in a follow-up comment.
US State Department issues security alert for Americans stranded in Mexico
The US State Department has issued a security alert for all Americans stranded in Mexico after chaos erupted when the army killed the leader of a powerful cartel.
'Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, US citizens in the following locations should shelter in place until further notice: Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State,' the department said.
