Warning level 3! Austrians are not allowed to leave the hotel.

 Violence has escalated in Mexico following the death of a drug lord. Stricter security warnings are now in effect for travelers from Austria.

Following the death of drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the situation in Mexico has escalated. Vehicles have been set on fire, roads blocked, and flights canceled in several regions.

Violence in Mexico escalates! Tourists are stranded.

The Mexican army had previously announced that "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, and died en route to Mexico City. A reward of $15 million (€12.7 million) had been offered in the United States for his capture.

Shortly after news of his death broke out, violent riots erupted in various parts of the country on Sunday. Alleged cartel members blocked more than 20 roads with burning cars and trucks. Similar blockades were also reported in Michoacán and the resort town of Puerto Vallarta.

Austrians stranded in Mexico

Several tourists, including Austrians, are currently stranded in the affected areas. The Austrian Foreign Ministry reports that the embassy in Mexico is aware of two Austrian travelers and is in contact with them. Both are stranded due to suspended bus and flight services. It is currently unclear whether other Austrian tourists are affected.

The Viennese man fears for his life

According to information from " Heute, " the victims are a well-known Viennese lawyer and his travel companion. Both have been trapped in their hotel since the early morning hours and fear for their lives – more details here.

"Do not leave the hotel"

The Foreign Ministry recommends that "in the event of acute violent incidents, you should not leave your hotel or accommodation" until the situation has calmed down. Furthermore, those affected should follow the instructions of the relevant state and federal authorities.

High security risk declared

In light of the situation, the Foreign Ministry has declared security level 3 (high security risk) – travel to certain regions of Mexico is discouraged for non-essential purposes. These include, among others, the border regions with the USA in the states of Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas, particularly the cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez.

Travel is also discouraged in rural areas of several states – including Chiapas, Colima, Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Sonora, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. Exceptions are made for tourist zones and UNESCO World Heritage cities. Travelers are advised to travel only by air or during the day via toll highways, and to undertake tours exclusively as part of organized tCivil war-like conditions after the death of a drug lord

Extra caution is advised in Mexico City, especially in the suburbs and in and around subway stations. Women traveling alone are particularly advised to be vigilant. However, theft and robbery occur throughout the city.

The  Foreign Ministry  responded   to the shocking events with an increased security level (Level 3, High Security Risk) .

"In view of the deteriorating security situation, we recommend that Austrian citizens – tourists as well as residents – especially in the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Colima, Michoacán, Baja California and Tamaulipas, avoid unnecessary travel ," it says.

Following a major operation by Mexican security forces against organized crime in the state of Jalisco, there are serious disturbances of public order. Roadblocks, exchanges of gunfire, and detentions of pedestrians are occurring in various parts of the country, particularly in Jalisco (Guadalajara), Guanajuato, and Michoacán (Morelia). A warning is issued: "In the event of violent incidents, do not leave your hotel or accommodation."