Barlaman Today

Mexican police are searching for 23 inmates who escaped from a prison in Puerto Vallarta after attacks by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) on Sunday, the BBC reported. Authorities said the cartel retaliated for the killing of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, during a security operation in Jalisco. Cartel members blocked roads and set vehicles on fire in several towns, and armed attackers rammed a prison gate in Puerto Vallarta, enabling the escape of the inmates. More than 70 people, including 25 members of the National Guard, were killed in the operation and the subsequent violence. Officials have not released details about the identities of the escaped prisoners, and security forces are coordinating a search across multiple states. Tourists and residents in Puerto Vallarta were urged to stay indoors as vehicles were torched and smoke rose over the popular beach destination. Airlines suspended flights, and cruise ships canceled scheduled stops. Most roadblocks have since been cleared, but reports of continued unrest emerged in Morelia, where armed men reportedly burned cars and vandalized shops. The operation to arrest Oseguera took place in the town of Tapalpa. He died from injuries sustained in the firefight with special forces. Authorities described the cartel as “a powerful criminal organization” involved in drug trafficking and violent attacks on security forces.