Travel Alert for Tourists in Puerto Vallarta Amid Security Operations
On Sunday, tourists in Puerto Vallarta, a popular vacation spot in Mexico, were advised to remain at their resorts. This caution came after a government official reported potential “clashes” in the area due to a federal security operation.
Videos shared online showed thick, dark smoke rising over the city, located in Jalisco state along the Pacific Coast. Many guests at local resorts reported being told to stay indoors, but no specific reasons were initially provided.
In response, the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for several regions in Mexico, urging American citizens to stay put due to ongoing security operations and risks associated with criminal activity.
The warning specifically mentioned parts of Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta, as well as areas in Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon states.
Jalisco’s Governor, Pablo Lemus Navarro, took to social media to announce that federal forces conducted an operation in the town of Tapalpa, which led to clashes in the surrounding region. He noted that individuals were setting vehicles on fire and blocking roads to disrupt emergency efforts.
Navarro also stated that violent incidents have spread across different points in Jalisco, prompting authorities to implement a “Code Red” to enhance public safety.
He reiterated the advice to avoid unnecessary travel, warning residents and tourists that clashes were happening in multiple locations.
While officials did not disclose many specifics about the operation, local reports suggest it might involve the Jalisco New Generation cartel and its leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
