Multiple videos of violence and vehicle fires emerged from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on Sunday. According to Mexico’s “Financial News”, locals were advised to blockade during the federal government operation in the city of Tapalpa, Jalisco. Criminal gangs and cartel members responded to the operation with blockades, arson attacks and armed confrontations, the report added.
Governor activates red alert
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus confirmed the unrest shortly after the operation began, explaining that criminal gangs responded by burning vehicles and blocking highways in the southern region and the metropolitan area.
“A few hours ago, federal troops carried out an operation in Tapalpa, which led to clashes in the area. Likewise, as a result of this operation, vehicles were burned and blocked in several locations in the area and elsewhere in Jalisco, with the aim of hindering the actions of the authorities,” he wrote on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.
“I have directed the immediate establishment of a security coordination table with the three levels of government authorities and the activation of code red to prevent acts against the people,” he added.
Where blockades and attacks break out
Reports of cartel blockades grew rapidly. In the Guadalajara metropolitan area, vehicles were set on fire to stop traffic on Avenida 16 de Septiembre, La Paz, Periférico and Calzada Independencia.
Meanwhile, similar strategies have been adopted in southern cities including Tecolotlán, Tapalpa, Ojo de Agua, Linda Vista, Ayutla, Talpa, Melaque Junction, El Tuito and the highway to Morelia.
The riots even spread to tourist centers. In Puerto Vallarta, a downtown bus was set on fire, a motorcycle chase was reported, and a shootout broke out in Ixtapa.
Federal Raid on Tapalpa
The violence is directly linked to federal operations in Tapalpa, a popular mountain destination in southern Jalisco state, according to state officials. Authorities have not released details of the mission, but the governor noted in his message that the federal deployment prompted the cartel to respond.
The state’s security cabinet issued its own statement, saying it was coordinating with state forces to control the situation.
Links to other arrests
Hours before the attack in Tapalpa, federal authorities detained Alma Rosa “N” (aka “La Leona”) in the city of Tala. She is believed to be a CJNG recruiter, allegedly linked to “El Lastra” and has been linked to the Rancho Izaguirre case. Her arrest is suspected to be one of several factors fueling tensions in the region.
