The Foreign Office has urged Britons in Mexico to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel amid a surge of violence following the death of a drug cartel leader.
Mexico's army said on Sunday that it had killed cartel boss Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco.
His death triggered unrest and hours of roadblocks, with vehicles set ablaze across the state, including in the tourist hot spots of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.
In updated travel advice issued on Monday, the Foreign Office warned: “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked.
“You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities' advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by the United States Embassy in Mexico, which urged Americans to “shelter in place”.
Britons were also advised to monitor local media and follow guidance from authorities.
“If you do decide to travel, we recommend intercity road travel during daylight hours,” the official advice read.
“Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico. As the situation develops, wherever you are in Mexico, you should stay alert and follow local security advice.”
Puerto Vallarta International Airport announced it had cancelled “all international operations and most of the domestic flights” on Sunday local time.
