Turkey Urges Citizens After Operation Against Cartels

JAKARTA - The Turkish Embassy in Mexico has urged its citizens to increase their vigilance following federal security operations and riots in several Mexican states.

In a statement posted on social media X, the embassy said it was closely monitoring the developments in the situation that occurred on Sunday in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, and Zacatecas.

As reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Monday, February 23, the embassy urged Turkish citizens to remain vigilant, take maximum security measures, and comply with the directions issued by local authorities. In addition, the Embassy provides emergency channels when necessary.

Previously, Mexican federal security forces on Sunday (22/2) launched a military operation targeting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the city of Tapalpa, about 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of the State of Jalisco. Reports say the cartel's leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes alias "El Mencho," was killed in the operation.

After the operation, a number of roadblocks and burning of vehicles and businesses in Jalisco and several other states were reported, which were allegedly retaliation by the criminal group.

The Jalisco State Government urged residents to stay at home, not to use public transportation services, and to activate the "red alert" status following threats to public safety.

In recent days, an escalation of violence has been reported in a number of areas in Mexico.