What Happened
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reported that over 8,000 Canadians in Mexico reached out to Global Affairs in just one day, raising the total number of registered Canadians in the country to over 26,000. This surge in communication comes amid escalating violence in Jalisco, Mexico, following the killing of notorious cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ by the Mexican military.
Why It Matters
Anand emphasized the importance of safety, advising Canadians to shelter in place as airlines have canceled flights, leaving many stranded. The situation has drawn attention due to the heightened security risks, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum describing the country as ‘calm’ despite the turmoil. The violence has resulted in the deaths of 25 National Guard members and over 30 cartel operatives, indicating a significant escalation in cartel-related conflicts.
What’s Next
Anand’s Mexican counterpart has expressed optimism that the situation will ‘normalize’ in the coming days. However, experts warn that further violence is likely as the Mexican government navigates the aftermath of the cartel leader’s death. Canadians are urged to remain vigilant and follow safety directives from authorities.
