US, Canada warn citizens after cartel boss killed

The United States Department of State on Sunday urged Americans in parts of Mexico to shelter in place following violent unrest triggered by the killing of a major cartel leader.

In a statement posted on social media, officials cited widespread security operations, roadblocks, criminal activity, and disruptions to transport. Airline services were affected, with multiple domestic and international flights cancelled at airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Mexican authorities said Nemesio Oseguera, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was fatally wounded during a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa and died while being transported to Mexico City. He had been one of the most wanted drug traffickers, with a US bounty of $15 million.

The government of Canada also issued an advisory, urging its citizens to keep a low profile and follow local authorities’ instructions. Canadians in the states of Michoacán, Guerrero and Jalisco were specifically told to remain indoors due to reports of gunfights and explosions.

Air travel was heavily disrupted. Major carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing Airlines cancelled flights to affected destinations, including Manzanillo.

Some aircraft already en route were forced to turn back. Southwest said four flights bound for Puerto Vallarta returned to their departure airports and that repatriation flights for stranded passengers and crew would be arranged once conditions improve.