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The Turkish Embassy in Mexico on Monday urged Turkish citizens to remain vigilant after federal security forces carried out an operation that triggered unrest across several Mexican states.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the embassy said developments in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes and Zacatecas were being closely monitored.
The embassy advised Turkish nationals to pay close attention to their personal safety, remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities. It said the embassy can be reached via an emergency hotline.
The warning followed a military operation carried out Sunday against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the town of Tapalpa, about 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state.
According to the Mexican army, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the 59-year-old leader of the CJNG, was wounded in clashes with soldiers and later died while being transported by air to Mexico City. He had been wanted by U.S. authorities, who had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Oseguera was one of the most powerful figures in Mexico’s drug trade and one of the highest-profile cartel leaders killed since the capture of Sinaloa cartel founders Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and Ismael Zambada, both now imprisoned in the United States.
Following the operation, gunmen believed to be retaliating blocked more than 20 roads in western Jalisco, setting cars and trucks ablaze. Authorities reported additional arson attacks targeting vehicles and businesses in several states.
As violence spread, at least eight states suspended in-person classes, while judicial authorities authorized judges to close courts where necessary.
The Jalisco state government urged residents to remain indoors, suspended public transportation and activated a “red alert,” citing threats to public safety.
The unrest also affected air travel. Several airlines said flights bound for Mexico were forced to turn back mid-route, including Southwest Airlines, which diverted four flights headed to Puerto Vallarta.
Southwest said it would dispatch aircraft to Mexico to repatriate stranded passengers and crew once conditions allow.
Security incidents continued to be reported across multiple states as authorities worked to restore order.
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