Washington, Feb 24 (NationPress) The assassination of Mexico's most notorious cartel leader has unleashed a wave of violent turmoil throughout the nation, resulting in blocked highways, burning vehicles, and American tourists stranded in popular resort areas like Puerto Vallarta.

Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated on Sunday during a military operation in Mexico, which U.S. officials confirmed was supported by American intelligence.

The Washington Post reported that "CIA intelligence played a crucial role in this operation," according to a source familiar with the situation.

General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Mexico's Defence Secretary, indicated that eight cartel members lost their lives during the operation. This killing sparked what officials characterized as coordinated acts of retaliation.

The Wall Street Journal noted that the cartel wasted no time in demonstrating its might on Sunday, as gunmen blocked roads nationwide and set vehicles ablaze, sending thick black smoke into the sky, including in Puerto Vallarta.

In the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, tourists recounted harrowing scenes. Fox News highlighted that several American travelers "unexpectedly found themselves caught in the midst of violent cartel retribution."

Eugene Marchenko, a visitor from South Carolina, described witnessing chaos: "I looked down and saw flames engulfing multiple vehicles. Six cars burned, along with a fuel tanker."

He continued, "They instructed people to evacuate," and added, "They poured gasoline on the vehicles and waited for everyone to clear out before igniting them."

The U.S. State Department stated it has received "hundreds" of calls from Americans stranded in Mexico since Sunday, prompting the establishment of a 24/7 crisis hotline as airlines suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

In a security advisory, the U.S. government noted that "many areas of Mexico have returned to normal," yet urged citizens in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Ciudad Guzman to remain sheltered indoors.

The alert further advised: "Verify that your flight is still scheduled to depart from Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta before heading to the airport."

Mexican authorities reported 85 roadblocks and numerous assaults on security forces. Over 25 security personnel and a civilian perished in the violence, while officials stated that more than 30 suspected cartel members were killed and 70 apprehended.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that "nearly all activities have resumed," although some services remain halted.

The demise of Oseguera raises concerns about a potential power struggle within the influential cartel. Analysts warned U.S. media that internal conflicts could lead to increased instability, especially in Jalisco, a state set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cartel violence often escalates following the capture or death of high-profile figures, as rival factions compete for dominance. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is recognized as one of the most formidable criminal organizations in Mexico, with operations spanning much of the country and trafficking routes into the United States.

Mexico has been plagued by recurrent violence associated with organized crime, despite ongoing government efforts to dismantle the cartels and restore security in critical regions.