AT LEAST 73 people died in the bloody mission to capture the boss of one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels, which has spiraled into streetwide chaos as furious drug smugglers retaliate.

Thousands of Americans have been left trapped after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, called “El Mencho,” led to fiery riots throughout Mexican tourist destinations.

8
Buses were set ablaze in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after a cartel leader was killed by authoritiesCredit: Reuters
8
American tourist Eugene Marchenko said he looked outside his Airbnb window and saw six cars on fireCredit: Fox News Digital
8
Smoke billowed throughout the coastal town as cartel members retaliatedCredit: Reuters
8
Those killed include security forces, suspected cartel members, and others, Mexican authorities said on Monday, according to the Associated Press.

Cervantes, who was said to have trafficked fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine onto US soil with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a shootout with Mexican authorities on Sunday.

On Monday, several states in Mexico told residents to shelter in place as violent cartel members set buses and taxis ablaze and completely razed businesses.

Cervantes was found at his home in Jalisco, a western Mexican state known for its tourist destinations like the resort town Puerto Vallarta and capital Guadalajara.

Millions warned blizzard may cut power as NYC hit by 9th heaviest snowfall ever

Authorities were able to track him down by following one of his lovers to a hideout, Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla said.

After the shoot-out, Cervantes and two bodyguards fled to the woods, where they were eventually cuffed. They died on their way to Mexico City.

Elsewhere, authorities gunned down a high-ranking cartel member who they said was offering $1,000 payouts for every Mexican soldier killed.

Twenty-five of those killed during the massive sting include members of the Mexican National Guard who died in six separate attacks, according to Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch.

Fans defend Melania Trump after she’s slammed for Governors’ Dinner outfit

Thirty of the bodies belong to suspected criminals, he said.

Other victims include a prison guard and an agent from the state prosecutor’s office.

Travel chaos ensues

The chaos forced soccer matches to be suspended and raised questions about whether the World Cup would be affected.

Americans who were nearby on vacation are desperately waiting for answers as flight cancellations and stay-at-home orders leave them trapped.

Eugene Marchenko, a 37-year-old from Charleston, South Carolina, had been in Puerto Vallarta for a day when a commotion outside his Airbnb woke him up.

He said he looked out his balcony window and was horrified to see six cars left burning in the middle of a main road.

Marchenko explained that public transportation like taxis and buses were targeted, making it impossible to get to the airport.

“The taxis stopped moving, Uber stopped moving, so there’s no getting in and out of the city unless you own a vehicle,” he told Fox News.

“Even if there are flights getting out of here, I don’t know how I’m gonna get to the airport.”

Adriana Belli, who was visiting from Miami, Florida, said she’s also been trapped in Guadalajara, where she had traveled for a wedding.

She said nothing like this had ever happened in the 24 years she’s been traveling to Puerto Vallarta.

Belli heard that some people who tried to fly out of the country after the chaos were left completely trapped in the airports.

“A lot of the other tourists who had early morning flights were actually able to get to the airport, but they are now locked down in the airport and unable to leave,” she said.

“So what we heard from other guests is they are just sort of surviving off of granola bars.”

A different tourist staying at a resort said restaurants and room service had been halted, and guests were brought into the lobby to get a portion of “the last bit of food.”

He said he and his wife called family members who were watching their 4-year-old and told them where to find their will.

“This is the first time we’ve ever been away from him. My wife was saying, ‘We’re never leaving him again,’” he said.

“I had to call my mom today and, you know, just tell her, ‘Look, here’s where my will is. We just created this. I don’t want you to panic, but I may need you to stay a couple days extra with my son.’”

Rupaul’s Drag Race Star Denali Foxx assured fans he was safe after performing in Puerto Vallarta over the weekend.

On his Instagram story, he wrote, “We are completely safe and grateful to be with the Tryst family.

“We will keep everyone posted but as of right now we are sheltering in place and safe.”

8
A burnt car is left smoldering after crashing into a store in GuadalajaraCredit: Getty
8
American tourist Adriana Belli said this was the worst chaos she has seen in 24 years of traveling to Puerto VallartaCredit: Fox News Digital
8
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho,’ led one of the most powerful cartels in the countryCredit: AP
8
Tourists say the cartel targeted public transportation like taxis and busesCredit: EPA

Cartel war continues

Cervantes’ cartel is considered one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal networks in the country.

Mexican authorities were said to have targeted the kingpin with help from US intelligence as President Donald Trump pressures the nation to crack down on the flow of illegal drugs.

After Carvantes’ death was announced, gunmen in tactical gear were seen taking to the streets and ushering citizens into hiding.

Some frightened tourists have described the smoke-filled scene as a “war zone” as they kept their heads down in their rooms while gunfire erupted for hours.

On Monday, the US Embassies and Consulates urged Americans in several Mexican locations to stay in place.

The areas include Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco), Cancún (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacán.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has urged people to stay calm and announced they had cleared over 250 cartel roadblocks across the country.