Tourists Flee Cartel Violence in Mexico's Puerto Vallarta
As cartel members block roads and burn businesses after a military operation, some tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico hope for a way out amid the chaos.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - What was supposed to be a relaxing vacation quickly turned into a nightmare for tourists in Puerto Vallarta as the popular resort town was rocked by a violent clash between Mexican authorities and a notorious drug cartel. After a military operation led to the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, his followers took to the streets, blocking roads and setting fire to businesses in a show of force.
Panicked visitors found themselves hunkered down in their hotels, watching plumes of black smoke rise in the distance and wondering how they would get out of the city. Many expressed a desperate desire to find a way home, fearing for their safety as the cartel's rampage continued.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}The sudden outbreak of violence has shaken the normally tranquil tourist destination, which is popular with Americans and Canadians seeking sun and sandy beaches. Tourists reported feeling trapped and increasingly anxious as the situation unfolded, with some unable to leave their hotels due to the blocked roads.
Source: The New York Times
