The deadly violence sparked by the military killing of an infamous cartel leader has now spread across at least two-thirds of Mexico’s states, as American citizens near the border were warned to shelter in place.
At least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states have seen violent clashes in the wake of the death of the country’s most wanted man, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Cervantes — better known as “El Mencho” — died in custody Sunday, shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco state.
The notorious drug kingpin was seriously injured in a firefight between military commandos and his bodyguards, and died from his injuries en route to Mexico City.
Cartel members responded to his death by declaring war on the Mexican government of socialist Claudia Sheinbaum, shutting down the country’s second-largest city, Jalisco’s state capital Guadalajara, as they engaged in running gun battles with authorities.
Violence spread quickly along the west coast, reaching up to the US border with California. At least 30 people have been declared dead, with more feared.
In Puerto Vallarta, just south of the border, US citizens were issued a stay-in-place order, as narco gangs unleashed their bloody rampage on the resort town.
Terrifying footage from across Mexico shows torched buildings and vehicles, while panicked lines of tourists are seen trying to flee the country at multiple airports.
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