The tropical paradise of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, turned into a war zone overnight. Violence erupted throughout the city following the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as 'El Mencho,' during a Mexican military operation on Sunday, 22 February. Armed clashed, burning vehicles and roadblocks paralysed the city, leaving tourists stranded and forced to shelter in place.
As Mexico's third most-visited city, Puerto Vallarta was packed with travellers when the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated. Chilling videos circulating online show guests taking shelter on hotel rooftops, watching helplessly as the conflict between the government and the cartel unfolded before their eyes — black smoke rising across the skyline to choke the coastal horizon.
