SEATAC, Wash. — A woman from Lacey, Washington, and her partner were visiting Puerto Vallarta when cartel members moved through the city in a rampage of retaliation, disrupting international travel and leading to numerous flight cancellations.
Local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside as widespread violence erupted following the army’s killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the boss of one of the fastest-growing criminal networks in Mexico, notorious for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the United States and staging brazen attacks against government officials who challenged it, according to the AP. He was killed during a shoot-out in his home state of Jalisco as the Mexican military attempted to capture him. Cartel members responded with violence across the country, blocking roads and setting fire to vehicles.
Christina Sabourin, a tourist from Lacey, observed the aftermath of the violence from her resort.
She reported seeing large amounts of smoke covering the city as cartel members retaliated against the Mexican government.
“And we walked outside to go to breakfast, and we noticed there was some smoke outside,” Sabourin said.
She and her partner had visited the areas currently experiencing the most intense violence just days before.
“We were actually down there two days ago in the area where they are at right now, where they are doing all of the bombing and blowing up cars and stuff,” Sabourin said.
Despite the surrounding chaos, Sabourin says that the atmosphere at her resort remains relatively calm.
She mentioned that while some guests were unable to leave as scheduled, families are still active in the resort area.
“There’s kids down there. There’s families down there. People are eating at the restaurants. So, no one is freaking out right now. Not where we are,” Sabourin said.
She noted that some travelers who were scheduled to depart have been forced to stay.
“There were some people that were supposed to leave today, and they are still here,” she said.
Sabourin has received messages from concerned friends and family in Western Washington regarding her status.
“We’re safe. We’re ok where we are at right now. Of course, I love everybody. I’ve got a lot of people messaging me and asking me if we are safe. And right now, yes, we are,” Sabourin said.
Jim Fuda with Crime Stoppers provided safety guidance to travelers caught in overseas emergencies. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a low profile and planning for contingencies.
“The best thing is to stay unseen as best you can, and like I said, not stand out,” Fuda said.
He suggested that travelers should always consider their surroundings and potential exits.
“I’d be thinking about, ‘What happens if this happens, and what are my escape routes? Where can I go?’” added Fuda.
Alaska Airlines canceled up to 24 flights to three Mexican airports, including Puerto Vallarta, as the conflict continues.
An SEA spokesperson told KIRO 7 that the situation has had little to no impact on overall operations at this time.
Sabourin and her partner are currently scheduled to fly home on Wednesday.
“At this point, we’re not supposed to leave ‘til Wednesday. So, we don’t know how this might develop over the next couple of days,” Sabourin said.
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