Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Nicole Herrero / Unsplash

Australia is reminding its citizens to take extra care when travelling to Mexico following the shootout that killed drug cartel boss Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes.

Australia Issues Travel Warning

According to the updated travel warning issued by Australia's Smartraveller, the government is advising its citizens to stay alert and to follow instructions of local authorities in Mexico.

"Serious security incidents have been reported across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime," the travel warning states. "Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to shelter in place."

"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico overall due to the threat of violent crime," the warning adds. "We also continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to the states of Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Sonora, Colima and Chiapas."

According to 9News, "El Mencho," who was killed in the shootout that has led to chaos in the country, was a former police officer.

He eventually became the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, which is known as one of the "most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations."

Why There Are Security Concerns in Mexico Over Shootout

Per CNN's coverage of the shootout, the death of "El Mencho" has sparked unrest throughout Mexico. Suspected gang members have clashed with authorities and are accused of torching buses and businesses.

The report notes that tourists are also stranded as some American airline companies have suspended flights.

For those who are travelling to and are already in Mexico, Australia's Smartraveller has placed the following places in Level 3 due to high levels of crime and the volatile security situation:

  • Chiapas State (except Palenque, if accessed by highway from Villahermosa, Tuxtla-Gutierrez, or by air, and San Cristobal de las Casas, if accessed by highway from Tuxtla-Gutierrez)
  • Chihuahua State (except Chihuahua City and the Copper Canyon rail route)
  • Colima State (except Manzanillo if accessed by air)
  • Guanajuato State (except Federal Highway 45D, and areas of the State to the North-East of Federal Highway 45D)
  • Guerrero State (except Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air)
  • Michoacán (except Federal Highway 15D if transiting the state, Morelia by land if accessed from Federal Highway 15D via Federal Highways 43 or 48D, and Lazaro Cardenas by air only)
  • North-western Durango, Sinaloa State (except Mazatlan and Los Mochis if accessed by air, and the Copper Canyon rail route)
  • Sonora State (except Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Penasco, if accessed by air)
  • Tamaulipas State (except Tampico if accessed by air)
  • Zacatecas

Smartraveller encourages travellers to reconsider the need to travel to places under Level 3.