Australia escalates travel warnings as cartel unleashes on tourist spot

Top Mexican drug cartel leader killed

The Australian government has upgraded its warnings to people travelling to Mexico as the killing of a notorious leader of one of the most powerful drug cartels leads to escalating violence on the streets.

Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, a former police officer turned head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a shootout with police in the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday (yesterday AEDT).

The cartel has retaliated against authorities by putting up 250 roadblocks across 20 of the 31 states and setting fire to vehicles.

A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire in Cointzio, Michoacán state, Mexico.

The situation has also led to flight disruptions in popular tourist areas like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced airlines have suspended some flights as a "preventative measure".

Australian authorities have today upgraded their travel warnings for Mexico, urging people to reconsider their need to travel to the state of Jalisco.

"Serious security incidents have occurred across the state, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta issued a public advisory to shelter in place," Smarttraveller said in its latest update today.

"There may be transport and travel disruptions, including air travel.

"Criminal groups have set up roadblocks, and other roadblocks may be set up at short notice. Stay alert and follow the advice of the local authorities."

Other security incidents have been reported in the regions of Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon.

"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime," Smartraveller said.

"We also continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Sonora, Colima and Chiapas."

The leader of a powerful drug cartel, Nemesio

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as CJNG, is one of the "most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations" inside Mexico, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration.

CJNG is also fast-growing, known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to the US and staging brazen attacks against Mexican government officials.

Mexican Defence Secretary General Ricardo Trevilla today said security forces from several federal branches of the military carried out an operation against the cartel in Jalisco after tracking one of Oseguera's romantic partners to his hideout in Tapalpa.

Oseguera and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area as the cartel traded fire with government forces, leading to four of their members being killed.

One of those killed was Osegeura, who died on the way to Mexico City alongside two others.

Smoke rises from cars on fire at a Costco parking lot in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as violence breaks out.

Mexican authorities today said more than 70 people in total died in the attempt to capture Oseguera and in the aftermath.

The threat of more violence is looming as several states cancel school and local and foreign governments warn citizens to stay indoors.

Mexico's second-largest city, Guadalajara, was almost completely shut down, with more than 1000 people stuck sleeping at the local zoo overnight to avoid taking to the streets.

- with Associated Press.

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