Tourists in Mexico experienced a nightmare vacation following the death of notorious drug lord "El Mencho" during a military operation, which triggered retaliatory violence from his cartel. In popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, visitors were trapped amidst burning cars and street blockades, with eyewitnesses describing scenes akin to a war zone. Airports saw panic as airlines canceled dozens of flights, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded for hours. Long-time visitors expressed shock at the sudden escalation of violence, reporting scenes of people fleeing flames and being advised to barricade themselves in hotels. The U.S. Department of State issued a warning for American citizens to seek shelter in affected states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, though some airports reported a return to normal operations by Sunday afternoon.