'Be aware': Indian embassy issues advisory for nationals in Mexico after powerful drug lord 'El Mencho' killed

NEW DELHI: The Embassy of India on Monday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals in several parts of Mexico to remain indoors following a major security operation that killed a top cartel leader and sparked widespread violence.Mexican authorities said Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was wounded in a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa and died while being flown to Mexico City. “Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico: There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice,” the Indian Embassy said.“For assistance please contact the Embassy of India at +52 55 4847 7539,” it added.Officials said six suspected cartel gunmen were killed in the operation, three soldiers were wounded and taken to hospital in the capital, and two suspects were arrested. Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, including rocket launchers capable of taking down aircraft and destroying armoured vehicles.The strike in western Jalisco was described by officials as one of the most significant blows to organised crime since the arrests of Joaquín Guzmán and Ismael Zambada García, co-founders of the Sinaloa cartel. Within hours of the announcement, cartel gunmen set vehicles ablaze, blocked highways and clashed with security forces, spreading retaliatory violence across at least five states and paralysing transport networks.Amid the unrest, the United States Department of State and Canadian authorities also urged their citizens in parts of Mexico to shelter in place due to violence, road blockages and flight cancellations.