Feb 23 • 03:03 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

British tourists warned to 'stay indoors' as Mexico cartel chaos sparks fear among World Cup fans

British tourists are advised to stay indoors as violent incidents related to cartel chaos erupt in Mexico's Jalisco state, raising safety concerns amid the ongoing World Cup.

The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for British citizens traveling to Mexico, particularly in the state of Jalisco, following a surge in violent incidents linked to drug cartel activity. Tourists in popular destinations such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are being urged to remain indoors after the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, prompted significant unrest in the area. Reports indicate that cartel members have engaged in violent tactics, including erecting roadblocks and setting vehicles ablaze, to disrupt military operations related to the drug lord's death.

Videos shared on social media have depicted alarming scenes of chaos, with plumes of smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta and travelers fleeing the airport in panic. The situation has not only created fear among tourists, particularly those visiting for the World Cup, but has also led to the disruption of air travel. Major airlines are grappling with the fallout from the unrest, as travelers are uncertain about their safety and the impact on their scheduled flights. The escalation of violence in this tourist-friendly state is raising alarms among authorities and local businesses alike, fearing potential declines in tourism as a result.

The implications of the drug cartel's renewed violence during a significant global event like the World Cup are profound. It raises questions about the safety measures in place for visitors and how international events might be affected by local conflicts. As the situation develops, both tourists and local officials are closely monitoring the escalating circumstances, hoping for a resolution that would restore safety and stability to the region, allowing it to recover from the impacts of cartel violence on its tourism sector.

📡 Similar Coverage