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Canadians in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta were being ordered to shelter in place as the popular tourist destination was among the regions in the country rocked by violence.

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Global Affairs Canada updated its travel advisory Sunday, warning Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico due to high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.”

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Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said in a statement that “Canada is closely monitoring the serious and rapidly evolving security situation in Jalisco State, Mexico, including around Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

“We are deeply alarmed by reports of violence following a major security operation, including armed clashes, roadblocks, and vehicles set on fire in multiple areas. We are aware that local authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders in some locations, and the situation remains fluid.”

Anand added, “Global Affairs officials are in close contact with local authorities and partners and stand ready to provide consular assistance to Canadians in the region.”

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Airlines cancel flights

Several airlines cancelled or diverted flights to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, including Air Canada, WestJet, Flair, Air Transat and Porter Airlines.

WestJet said in a statement to The Canadian Press that they have diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled 24 flights to and from the city, as well nearby Guadalajara and La Manzanillo.

Clashes triggered by death of cartel boss

The escalating violence was sparked by the killing of a top cartel leader by local authorities.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a federal operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel on Sunday morning, according to The Associated Press.

In response to his death, criminal groups began burning cars and trucks to block roads in different areas of Jalisco.

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Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro said the violence has spread to at least five states. He warned residents to remain in their homes and urged the public to avoid travelling on highways.

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over Puerto Vallarta, and people sprinting through the airport of Jalisco’s capital in panic.

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El Mencho sought by U.S. authorities

El Mencho was wanted by U.S. authorities with a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations in Mexico and was born in 2009.

In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

— with files from The Associated Press

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