Security forces in the west-central states of Jalisco and Nayarit appear to have contained widespread retaliatory violence by the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Spanish abbr: CJNG) over the killing of its leader by the military on Sunday.
Gunmen in response the killing on Sunday torched vehicles and set ablaze businesses across at least 20 states, paralyzing traffic and commercial activity in an unprecedented show of force and national reach.
Some 10,000 soldiers were deployed, including 2,000 troops in and around the CJNG core stronghold of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco.
The Mexican Embassy in the United States yesterday said the security situation had “stabilized” as authorities worked to reopen transit corridors and restore public services.
The US State Department yesterday afternoon lifted its shelter in place guidance for US citizens in Jalisco and adjoining Nayarit, after having lifted it for other states.
Out of an abundance of caution, this service advises that travel to Jalisco and Nayarit remain on hold for the time being. Those on the ground there should continue to keep in mind that local security conditions could deteriorate with little or no warning. They should minimize circulation and double-check security conditions when they must set out.
The State Department initially cited risks stemming from ongoing security operations and road blockages and other serious CJNG activity across a broad swath of the country, including in Colima state, immediately south of Jalisco, Michoacan state, immediately east of Jalisco, the northern border states of Baja California, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas; the central states of Zacatecas, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Queretaro and Mexico, and the southern state of Quintana Roo.
Residents and visitors in those states should continue to monitor security developments constantly and remain prepared to shelter in place.
It is imperative to note that at the best of times there is no one-size-fits-all security prescription for companies operating in Mexico and that ongoing consultations with security professionals are essential.
Flight operations disrupted by the unrest have largely resumed.
Flights were cancelled in and out of Guadalajara International Airport and the airport serving the popular Jalisco coastal resort town of Puerto Vallarta amid airline concerns over security conditions, including the risk of cartel attacks on civilian airports and commercial aircraft.
Additional flights have been scheduled at those two airports to assist travelers stranded by earlier cancellations.
Travelers should confirm flight status directly with their airlines, as delays and cancellations remain possible due to residual ground access issues and ongoing security operations.
Transportation to and from airports should be undertaken only with fresh road security assessments and conducted using vetted, chauffeur-driven vehicles or hotel-arranged taxis.
Personnel should be prepared for extensive security screening at airports.
The killing by the military of CJNG chief Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was a landmark event that sparked widespread panic on Sunday, particularly in west-central Mexico, with locals staying off the streets and tourists instructed to remain inside hotels.
More than 70 people were killed during the operation targeting El Mencho and the subsequent violence, including over two dozen members of the security forces. At least one civilian died.
Disruptive cartel actions such as roadblocks and explosions typically occur in the first few days after major confrontations with the Mexican state but are difficult to sustain and give way to more targeted attacks.
Of particular concern is the possibility that CJNG factions could regroup after the initial unrest and carry out attacks in major cities, including the capital.
The CJNG could also stage attacks against senior government officials.
The White House confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government for Sunday’s operation.
The US role could provoke anti-American sentiment and raise the risk of cartel retaliation against US interests.
US businesses should redouble security measures. Americans should be circumspect in their behavior and avoid political discussion of any nature.
