The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has lifted many of its restrictions related to the violent backlash to the killing of drug cartel leader “El Mencho” as flights resume to the airports in the region.
“Flight schedules have returned to normal in Guadalajara and many airlines have extra flights planned for today, February 24, in Puerto Vallarta. Both airports are secure and amenities are available,” the embassy said in a statement.
After the Mexican army executed a military operation killing El Mencho, whose real name was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, with the support of U.S. intelligence, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel launched a series of violent attacks across the region, killing 25 Mexican National Guard members in the process.
In response to the cartel’s violent backlash, state officials closed several schools, rideshare services were canceled, and airlines canceled flights to the region’s airports in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The coastal beach town of Puerto Vallarta is a popular American tourist destination.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR MEXICAN INMATES WHO ESCAPED PRISON DURING RIOT OVER CARTEL KILLING
The return of flights on Tuesday followed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s prediction that flights to the region would resume by the end of Tuesday, after saying her country was “at peace” on Monday.
The U.S. Embassy also announced Tuesday evening that all restrictions for government staff in Tijuana and Monterrey have been lifted, but that staff in the Jalisco cities of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Ciudad Guzman are still subject to nighttime curfews and travel restrictions.