Canadians urged to shelter in place in Mexican state amid violence

Canadians in Puerto Vallarta are being asked to shelter in place as the Canadian government warns violence is escalating in Mexico’s Jalisco state.

Global Affairs Canada issued a notice on its travel advisory page for Mexico on Sunday, warning of violence and roadblocks in the region.

“Criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta. There have been shootouts with security forces and explosions,” said the notice.

It goes on to say a shelter in place order is in effect in Puerto Vallarta, with all taxi and rideshare services suspended.

Air Canada, Porter Airlines and WestJet have all cancelled flights into the Puerto Vallarta airport.

Jalisco state Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro said in a post on social media that federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa early Sunday morning, leading to clashes in the area.

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Navarro said he had given the order to activate a code red.

He said vehicles have been burned and blocked in some places to hinder the actions of authorities.

People in the state are urged to keep a low profile, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor local and international media to stay informed, Global Affairs Canada says.

—with files from The Associated Press