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Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco
Jalisco Security Update After CJNG Retaliation
SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 15:30 UTC 24 FEBRUARY 2026
The resort town of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state, near the border with Nayarit, was severely impacted by the violence following the 22 February raid that killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
On the night between 22 and 23 February, several cases of arson, firebombing and vandalism occurred throughout Puerto Vallarta. Gunmen, suspected to be associated with CJNG, carried out an attack at the Ixtapa prison, located approximately 8 kilometres northeast of Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which resulted in the killing of one guard, an unspecified number of injuries, and the escape of 23 inmates.
Across the state of Jalisco, cartel members and other criminals erected dozens of improvised roadblocks, repeatedly attacking transiting vehicles. Levels of violence in Jalisco prompted dozens of flight cancellations and the halting of public transport services in several municipalities.
Mexican authorities have deployed approximately 10,000 additional troops to parts of Mexico that have been affected by the surge in cartel violence, particularly in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. On 23 February, road-clearing operations were started across Jalisco state to reduce the number of roadblocks. According to authorities, approximately 80 per cent of roadblocks were removed by 23 February. In Puerto Vallarta, 92 torched vehicles were removed on 23 February during road-clearing operations. On the same day, the Mexican Navy deployed the transport vessel ARM Usumacinta to Puerto Vallarta, carrying an estimated 400 troops. The Mexican Air Force has also deployed planes and helicopters to support surveillance.
The most recent update from the US Mission to Mexico on 23 February continues to urge citizens in specific locations to shelter in place until all blockades are cleared. These locations are Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara) and Nayarit State (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta).
The advisory states that “the situation has returned to normal” in: Baja California (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), Colima, Guanajuato, Estado de Mexico, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.
Regarding air travel disruptions, the US Mission to Mexico states that all airports are open, with most airports operating normally. The US Mission reports having received no indication of security-related flight disruptions to any Mexican airport other than Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta. In Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, some but not all flights have begun departing, with multiple airlines now operating from these airports. The advisory notes that travellers may also be able to book a connecting flight through another Mexican city to leave the country.
INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS
Southern Jalisco and Nayarit Remain Elevated Risk
While episodes of violence have been recorded in the early hours of 24 February in Guadalajara, there are early signs that the security situation in Puerto Vallarta is improving. The security forces are likely prioritising the security of the tourist resorts and their immediate surroundings, including access roads, transport hubs and key infrastructure.
Jalisco governor Pablo Lemus has announced the resumption of in-person teaching at all levels on 25 February. In Puerto Vallarta itself, available reporting indicates that stores have started to reopen on 23-24 February.
Several airlines have announced they would operate flights to and from Puerto Vallarta on 24 or 25 February, including Air Canada and United Airlines. Others, like Southwest Airlines, have assessed that disruptions will continue until 26 February.
Disruptions for cruise services remain extant. Operators such as Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line have stated that they have cancelled scheduled port calls in Puerto Vallarta. Likely, cruise services to Puerto Vallarta will gradually resume during the 25-28 February period.
The large armed forces and security contingent deployed to Jalisco has likely decreased the risk of another severe outbreak of violence in tourist locations like Puerto Vallarta in the short term, whereas isolated episodes of violence, such as targeted killings by cartel operatives, cannot be ruled out. The reduction in the immediate threat of widespread violence will likely allow travellers to conduct road movements on key roadways and between central Puerto Vallarta and the airport, provided they take mitigation measures such as using low-profile vehicles with security-trained drivers who are familiar with the local area.
However, the killing of El Mencho has likely significantly destabilised CJNG and could lead to a fragmentation of the cartel and provoke the outbreak of infighting, similarly to what occurred in the Sinaloa Cartel after its leaders were apprehended. This would likely lead to a longer-term deterioration of the security environment in Jalisco and Nayarit states.
It is important to note that 24 February is Día de la Bandera, a nationwide commemoration which usually coincides with official events in large urban centres. In Puerto Vallarta, past Día de la Bandera events were held in Plaza Armas or at Agustín Flores Contreras Stadium. There is a remote possibility of cartels seeking to disrupt any celebrations or carry out demonstrative and symbolic operations targeting state officials. Travellers should avoid large public events in Puerto Vallarta or other parts of Jalisco.
Travel and Safety Guidance for Mexico
- Expect the security situation in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit to remain unstable in the immediate future.
- Shelter-in-place and avoid any non-essential travel within Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Jalisco due to the risk of military operations and cartel activity.
- If conducting road travel, do so during the day and on key roadways.
- Avoid all large-scale gatherings across Jalisco.
- Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
- Adhere to all shelter-in-place warnings until they are lifted.
- Expect heightened travel disruptions due to road obstructions and blockades and subsequent security checkpoints.
- Some roadblocks may be cartel-imposed. If possible, avoid roadblocks.
- When approaching a roadblock, if unable to avoid it, remain in your vehicle with your hands visible, seatbelts on, and windows up. Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.
- If travel is necessary, avoid road travel outside major routes. Keep to intercity road travel during daylight hours and use pre-arranged transport only. Do not travel after dark.
- Avoid facilities associated with security forces, government institutions and embassies.
- Do not take pictures of government buildings, roadblocks, or ongoing incidents.
- Travellers with upcoming flights to/from/via Mexican airports, especially Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) and Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), are advised to check their flight status with their respective airlines and plan accordingly.
- Keep emergency contact numbers saved on your phone, including those for local authorities, medical services, and consular assistance. Ensure mobile devices are fully charged.
- If available, monitor your intelligence provider’s alerting platform and trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.
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