Passengers stranded at Guadalajara airport
(CBS, KYMA) - Flights were canceled or diverted at the Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco Sunday, after the Mexican Army's killing of a cartel leader triggered an eruption of violence in the region, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
Grupo Aeroportuario del PacÃfico, who operate the airport, released a statement informing passengers that the airport was under the protection of Mexico's National Guard and Secretariat of National Defense.
They added that "no incidents have been reported inside the facilities, nor is there any risk to passengers, employees, or visitors. The information and material circulating on social media do not correspond to risky situations within the terminals, but rather to panic among passengers."
In a press release, the Mexican government confirmed military forces killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Local news outlet Informador reported cartel members erupted in violence, burned cars, and blocked roads.
Footage captured by Erin Gonzalez (@erin_g760) shows dozens of passengers sleeping on benches, chairs, and floors.
According to Informador, some passengers had been waiting for their flights for more than 24 hours as of Monday morning.
On Monday, the airport released another statement confirming the airport was open and operating but that some airlines had canceled or rescheduled flights.
