Mexico drug violence

This item appears on page 18 of the July 2015 issue.

Drug cartels in the west-central- Mexico state of Jalisco fought back against government forces attempting to dismantle their groups in May, burning buildings and cars and shooting down an army helicopter, killing three soldiers.

Gunfights between the Mexican armed forces and cartel members in the state capital, Guadalajara, along with violence in the port city of Puerto Vallarta, caused Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line to cancel port stops in Puerto Vallarta. After having met with port officials to discuss their concerns, other cruise lines continue to call at Puerto Vallarta.

In the neighboring state of Michoacán on May 22, at least 37 Jalisco cartel members and two police officers died in a gunfight. The Jalisco cartel is believed to be responsible for killing at least 20 police officers since March 1, 2015.