US citizens urged to shelter in place amid unrest in Puerto Vallarta

"The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an alert to American citizens Sunday morning to shelter in place "until further notice" if they are currently in Jalisco State, which includes Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara, Tamaulipas State or areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State and Nuevo Leon State. The advisory warns citizens to "avoid crowds," "seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements" and "monitor local media for updates.""

"Videos posted to social media and by local journalists show black smoke from car fires in the area, and there are reports of burning vehicles blocking roadways in Jalisco. The unrest is reportedly linked to a military operation targeting a powerful drug lord. Reuters reported Sunday that the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho," was killed in the operation."

""Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta," Global Affairs Canada said in an alert. "There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions.A shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta. All taxi and rideshare services are suspended until further notice." Air Canada announced Sunday it had canceled all operations in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday due to the "ongoing security situation.""

An alert directs American citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to shelter in place until further notice. The advisory instructs avoiding crowds, seeking shelter, minimizing unnecessary movements and monitoring local media. Reports and videos show burning vehicles, black smoke, roadblocks and blocked roadways in Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta. The unrest follows a military operation reportedly killing Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Global Affairs Canada reports shootouts and explosions, and taxi and rideshare services are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Multiple airlines, including Air Canada, canceled or suspended Puerto Vallarta operations and many departures were canceled.

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