Ukrainian Embassy in Mexico Issues Emergency Alert After Mexican Armed Forces Launch Anti-Cartel Offensive

The Ukrainian Embassy in Mexico issued an urgent warning to its citizens following the deterioration of the security situation in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato, where the Mexican army has launched a special operation in response to escalating cartel-related violence.

In its official statement, the diplomatic mission urged Ukrainian citizens to remain calm, follow the recommendations of local authorities, and avoid spreading unverified information. It also advised citizens to monitor official reports closely as military operations continue in the affected regions.

The warning comes amid an intensification of Mexican military operations against criminal organizations, particularly the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the country’s most powerful and heavily militarized groups. Tensions escalated after Mexican forces killed Nemesio Oseguera—also known as “El Mencho”—a key cartel leader, during a special operation.

His death triggered a wave of coordinated reprisals, including highway blockades, arson, and attacks against security forces.

According to reports from Reuters, Associated Press, and Mexican media outlets, armed forces have deployed additional units to restore control in areas where armed clashes, attacks on security forces, and threats to civilians have been reported.

The violence has also begun affecting air infrastructure, underscoring the severity of the situation. According to Reuters, several airlines canceled flights at key airports such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta due to security concerns following cartel roadblocks and armed confrontations near urban areas. Authorities also suspended public transportation and civilian activities as security forces worked to restore order.

These disruptions have not only paralyzed daily life but have also limited movement into and out of affected areas, increasing risks for foreign nationals and explaining the urgency behind the embassy’s emergency advisory.

According to Reuters and AP, the CJNG has expanded its territorial control across western Mexico, directly challenging the state and employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, including heavy weapons, coordinated ambushes, and strategic roadblocks.

For Ukraine, the issuance of this alert reflects the need to protect its citizens abroad in an increasingly volatile global environment. Ukrainian authorities stated that any changes in the situation or additional recommendations would be communicated immediately, while continuing to monitor developments closely in coordination with Mexican authorities.

Previously, we reported that Ukraine refuted false claims made by commentator Tucker Carlson, who alleged without evidence that Western-supplied weapons delivered to Kyiv had ended up in the hands of Mexican cartels. Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation informed that these allegations were part of a Russian disinformation operation and confirmed that all weapons transferred to Ukraine are strictly monitored by international partners, with no diversion to criminal organizations in Latin America.

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