Scenes of Destruction in Puerto Vallarta After Cartel Boss Killed

Burned-out cars and other remnants of unrest lined the streets of the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Sunday, February 22, after widespread violence erupted following the Mexican Army’s killing of a cartel leader. In a press release, the Mexican government confirmed military forces killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to local news outlet Informador, cartel members erupted in violence, burned cars, and blocked roads. Instagram user @eddie_mexico captured this footage on Sunday showing vehicles on fire, burnt-out cars, a damaged storefront, and smoke rising in Puerto Vallarta. In the video, @eddie_mexico can be heard remarking on the “misfortune” of the people and place. Speaking on Monday, Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said all roadblocks had been cleared. The US state department issued an advisory on Sunday, telling Americans in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon to “seek shelter” and “minimize unnecessary movements.”