UK Warns Britons in Mexico to Stay Indoors After Cartel Leader El Mencho Killed

Travel to Mexico is not advised for Britons as violence increased by over 250 roadblocks after cartel leader El Mencho was killed.
By Newsroom | Travel, Security |

Britons in Mexico are advised to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel due to a surge in violence following the reported death of cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ‘El Mencho’. The unrest, which included widespread roadblocks and vehicles set ablaze, has affected tourist areas such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state, potentially disrupting routes to airports.

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Violence Erupts After Key Cartel Leader's Death

The Mexican army announced on Sunday, February 22, that it had killed ‘El Mencho’, a high-profile drug cartel leader and a U.S. Most Wanted fugitive, during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of several cartel members and injuries to some army personnel. This action has been framed by Mexican officials as a significant victory against organized crime.

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Security Concerns and Travel Disruptions

Following the announcement of ‘El Mencho’s’ death, a wave of violence and unrest was reported across Mexico. Key disruptions included:

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  • Roadblocks: Over 250 blockades were set up in at least 20 Mexican states, with the majority concentrated in Jalisco. While many have since been cleared, some remained active.

  • Disrupted Travel: Routes to airports were reported as potentially blocked, and several airlines, including U.S. carriers, suspended flights to tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, stranding some American tourists.

  • School Closures: Schools were cancelled in several affected states on Monday.

  • Official Warnings: The UK’s Foreign Office issued updated travel advice on Monday, February 24, urging British nationals to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The U.S. embassy in Mexico also advised its citizens to shelter in place across several states.

Conflicting Accounts and Unclear Long-Term Impact

While the Mexican government has presented the operation as a success, the full ramifications for the country’s security landscape remain unclear.

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The Military Operation

  • Official Narrative: The Mexican army reported killing ‘El Mencho’ in Tapalpa, Jalisco, during an operation aimed at his capture. Four cartel members were killed and three injured during this specific operation, with three army personnel also sustaining injuries. The U.S. reportedly provided intelligence that aided the operation.

  • Circumstances of Death: Reports indicate ‘El Mencho’ was wounded in an operation on Sunday and died while being transported to Mexico City.

The Cartel's Response

  • Widespread Unrest: The death triggered hours of unrest, including vehicles being set on fire and numerous roadblocks erected across Jalisco and other states.

  • Disruptive Tactics: The violence appears largely aimed at causing disruption, impacting transportation and daily life.

Expert Analysis and International Pressure

The killing of ‘El Mencho’ occurs within a context of ongoing pressure from the United States for Mexico to more aggressively pursue drug cartels. The U.S. had previously designated his cartel and others as foreign terrorist organizations. This success could be used by the Mexican government to demonstrate results to the U.S., particularly concerning its drug trafficking issues. However, the long-term effect on Mexico’s security landscape is yet to be determined.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The reported death of ‘El Mencho’ has demonstrably led to a significant increase in organized crime-related violence and disruptions across Mexico, prompting international travel advisories. While the immediate operation resulted in the neutralization of a key cartel leader, the subsequent unrest highlights the continued challenges to security.

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  • Current Status: Roadblocks have largely been cleared, but the extent of residual instability remains a concern.

  • Travelers Advised: Britons and other foreign nationals in affected areas are strongly advised to heed official warnings and maintain a low profile.

  • Future Implications: The long-term impact on cartel activities and Mexico's overall security situation will require continued monitoring.

Key Sources:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the UK government issue a travel warning for Mexico on February 24?
The UK government issued a travel warning for Mexico on February 24 because the reported death of cartel leader 'El Mencho' on February 22 led to widespread violence, including roadblocks and burned vehicles, especially in Jalisco state.
Q: What specific dangers are Britons facing in Mexico after El Mencho's death?
Britons in Mexico are facing dangers from widespread unrest, including over 250 roadblocks set up by criminals and potential disruption to travel routes, including those to airports. The violence has affected tourist areas like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
Q: What actions did the Mexican army take on February 22?
On February 22, the Mexican army conducted an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where they reported killing 'El Mencho', a high-profile drug cartel leader. The operation also resulted in the deaths of several cartel members and injuries to some army personnel.
Q: How has the violence affected travel and daily life in Mexico?
The violence has caused significant travel disruptions, with airlines suspending flights to tourist destinations and routes to airports being potentially blocked. Schools were also cancelled in several affected states on Monday, February 24, due to the unrest.
Q: What are the long-term effects of El Mencho's death on Mexico's security?
The long-term impact of 'El Mencho's' death on Mexico's security is still unclear. While the government sees it as a success against organized crime, the subsequent unrest shows continued challenges, and the extent of residual instability remains a concern.