Home / War and Conflict / Cartel Chaos Traps Tourists in Mexico
Cartel Chaos Traps Tourists in Mexico
24 Feb
Summary
- American tourists stranded in Mexico due to cartel violence.
- Flights canceled, airports closed impacting evacuations.
- Rescue group Grey Bull Rescue initiates evacuation mission.

American tourists currently vacationing in Mexico face significant disruption due to ongoing cartel violence impacting the Puerto Vallarta area. The escalating cartel activity has led to widespread flight cancellations and airport closures, stranding numerous visitors.
Grey Bull Rescue, a Florida-based nonprofit organization founded by veteran Bryan Stern, has initiated an evacuation operation dubbed 'Condor Reach.' This mission aims to assist American citizens trapped by the dangerous conditions.
One tourist, Wendee Puccetti from Wisconsin, described her experience of being informed of the shutdown on Sunday morning. Despite the surrounding unrest, her immediate resort area in Punta Mita remained calm, though hotel operations were scaled back.
Stern characterized the rescue operation as being on a 'war-zone level,' emphasizing the complex and dangerous nature of extracting individuals amidst cartel-controlled territories where the Mexican army faces limitations.




