Canada raises Mexico travel alert to "high degree of caution"

OTTAWA, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Canada on Sunday updated its advisory for travel to Mexico to "a high degree of caution," listing more than a dozen states as areas to "avoid non-essential travel," due to a surge in violence and roadblocks in the country.

According to the latest advisory issued by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), criminal activity and kidnapping remain at high levels across Mexico. While foreign tourists are not the primary targets, the ongoing violent clashes between federal authorities and armed groups, combined with arson and roadblocks, have posed significant threats to public safety.

The GAC highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas in Jalisco state. Armed confrontations have led to widespread disruptions in the transportation system, with commercial flights suspended and ground travel hampered by illegal blockades.

In response to the escalating crisis, Air Canada announced Sunday that it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, citing the inability to ensure the safety of airport operations. The airline said it would maintain close communication with the Mexican government.

WestJet has also canceled scheduled flights to the affected region.

Mexico has ramped up crackdowns on drug criminal organizations, with the army killing Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in an operation on Sunday in Jalisco.

Road blockades and vehicle burnings were recorded in Jalisco and neighboring states. Similar incidents involving torched vehicles and highway blockades were also reported in Tamaulipas and Oaxaca.

The vandalism was believed to have been orchestrated by cartel members in retaliation for the military operation. Enditem