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.

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.

The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states.

Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.

Jalisco canceled school in the state for Monday.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged her people to remain calm and stay informed following the army’s raid on Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes.

‘There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm,’ she posted on X.

Sheinbaum added that the Security Cabinet will be providing updates on social media as she touted the work of the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet.

‘We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.’

The Mexican Army 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 Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels that plays a key role in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl to the US.

He was the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted in the US.

The US government was offering a reward of $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement.

The state is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States.

During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location.

Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said.

Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized.

Three members of the armed forces were wounded and receiving medical treatment.

All Americans in 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 have been told to do the following:

• Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
• Avoid crowds.
• Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.

Drone footage captured by Sky Projects Mx 🇲🇽 showed chaos in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday.

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.