British Tourist Describes Horror as Violence Erupts in Mexico After Drug Lord El Mencho Killed
Violence has erupted across Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel known as El Mencho. The security operation to capture him resulted in his killing, which has triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks that have left the nation in chaos.
Tourist's Terrifying Experience in Jalisco
Andy Martin, a 33-year-old British tourist from London, found himself stranded in a cabin in El Estuche, near Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco, when the violence broke out. He described a frightening journey past blocked roads and burnt-out cars as he attempted to reach safety in Guadalajara. Martin had been staying with a friend for a weekend getaway, enjoying a relaxing barbecue before the situation escalated.
"It was super quiet in the whole area around Tapalpa, and we just spent the day in this beautiful cabin, there wasn't really much else you could do," Martin told the Independent. "When it got dark, it suddenly got a bit scary because we were in the middle of nowhere. Apart from the helicopters it was strangely calm."
Nationwide Chaos and Retaliatory Attacks
The death of El Mencho has led to widespread violence orchestrated by the Jalisco New Generation cartel. Reports indicate that more than 70 people have been killed in the ensuing unrest. The chaos has affected 20 Mexican states, with roads blocked by burning vehicles sending plumes of smoke into the air. Key incidents include:
- Residents in Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, were forced to shelter indoors.
- Schools in several states cancelled classes on Monday.
- Puerto Vallarta, a popular beach resort, was hit by blockades.
- During the unrest, 23 prisoners escaped after armed men rammed a prison gate with a car.
Martin and his friend decided to stay an extra night in their cabin due to safety concerns, hearing only army helicopters overhead. The following day, they ventured into nearby Los Espinos to assess the situation, finding roads closed and shops running low on essential supplies like eggs and cheese.
Escape to Safety Amid Controlled Panic
Describing a "controlled panic" among others in the area, Martin grouped with fellow tourists to form a mini convoy leaving Los Espinos at 1:30 PM for Guadalajara. They left most belongings behind, carrying only passports and phone chargers in case of emergency. "I said to my friend what is the worst case scenario, they take the car and we have to find another way. So we just packed a little rucksack each with a passport and a phone charger. If the worst happens we just need to get out of the car and you grab that," Martin explained.
The roads quickly became jammed with traffic, and passersby warned of closed routes ahead, fallen trees, and burnt-out buses. "Coming into Guadalajara there were still bits of the road on fire. There was the army in lots of places still just clearing up," he recalled. His friend felt relieved upon seeing the army at cleared blockades, providing a sense of security amid the turmoil.
This incident highlights the severe impact of cartel violence on both locals and tourists, underscoring the ongoing challenges in Mexico's security landscape.
