Thousands of soldiers have been deployed to quell violent unrest across more than 20 states after cartel leader El Mencho was captured in Jalisco state by Mexican special forces at the weekend and subsequently died in custody.

The gang retaliated by blocking roads, torching vehicles and ransacking local businesses, and continue to clash with members of Mexico's National Guard in several regions.

The most severe unrest has been in the state of Jalisco where El Mencho's cartel was based, home to popular destinations including Puerto Vallarta and the city of Guadalajara.

The BBC has verified footage of tourists watching from a pool as a military helicopter flies low over their hotel in Puerto Vallarta while smoke rises over the city in the background.

'Serious security incidents'

On Monday (23 February), the FCDO moved to advise against all but essential travel to Jalisco state, and warned of "ongoing security incidents" across the country including in Oaxaca and Quintana Roo, making specific reference to tourist hotspots Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

"Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa," said the FCDO.

It is advising anyone in the state of Jalisco to minimise their movements and follow any local shelter-in-place instructions from local authorities. "Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors," cautions the FCDO advice.

The FCDO goes on to warn routes to airports may be blocked, while flight schedules at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports have been disrupted "with several airlines cancelling or diverting services at short notice".

"Check for messages from your airline or tour operator before travelling to the airport, and monitor local and international media for updates," the FCDO advises tourists there.

It adds: "Security incidents have also been reported in other parts of Mexico, including in tourist areas in Quintana Roo and Oaxaca states."

The FCDO has issued detailed and specific advice advising against all but essential travel to parts of 11 Mexican states in total.

'Popular and vital destination'

Advantage Travel Partnership chief Julia Lo Bue-Said said the consortium was monitoring the situation in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara "very closely". "Mexico remains an incredibly popular and vital destination for both leisure and business travel," she said.

"We would advise all travellers in the area to stay informed, remain vigilant, and most importantly listen to the advice being given by the FCDO."

Addressing travellers, she added: "If you are in Mexico or concerned about any upcoming travel to Mexico and you did book through a travel agent, get in touch with them for the latest information and advice. You can also check with your airline directly before travelling to the airport."

Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued a similar warning to that of the FCDO, covering Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, prompting the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) to advise Irish travellers to remain in close contact with their travel agent and to follow the guidance of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

President Tom Randles said: “Those already holidaying in the area should exercise extreme caution and follow the advice of local authorities, including remaining indoors where advised.

"Anyone in an affected area should keep in contact with their local tour operator staff on the ground. Alternatively, contact your tour operator or the travel agent with whom you booked your holiday for assistance. Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged and switched to roaming to receive alerts from local authorities. Also monitor local news bulletins.”

The ITAA notes the vast majority of holidaymakers to Mexico visit the Cancun area some 2,000 kilometres from the state of Jalisco. With Aer Lingus flying direct from Dublin three times a week between January and April, it estimates there could be anywhere between 750 and 850 Irish holidaymakers in Cancun at any given time during this period.