The State Department on Sunday advised American citizens in several Mexican states to remain indoors until further notice, citing “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity” following violent unrest.

The advisory applies to the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, where authorities warned that conditions could remain unstable.

The alert followed an announcement from Mexico’s Ministry of Defense that the Mexican army had killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the influential head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The ministry confirmed the development Sunday in a statement posted on the social platform X.

After news of the cartel leader’s death spread, confrontations broke out across parts of western Mexico. Vehicles were set ablaze and used to obstruct highways in Jalisco and neighboring areas. By midday Sunday, Mexico’s Security Cabinet reported 21 active highway blockades.

According to The Associated Press, drug cartels frequently employ roadblocks as a tactic to hinder military and law enforcement movements.

Footage circulating on social media captured thick smoke rising above Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, while other clips appeared to show travelers running in alarm inside Guadalajara International Airport.

In response to the unrest, several airlines issued travel alerts or suspended flights to affected destinations. Authorities in Jalisco also announced that schools would be closed Monday.

In recent months, President Donald Trump has stated that he would consider military action within Mexico if necessary to stop the flow of illegal drugs into the United States. His remarks followed U.S. military operations targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected Trump’s suggestions of potential U.S. intervention.

{Matzav.com}