American tourists stranded in Mexico amid unrest following cartel leader’s death

American tourists are stranded in parts of Mexico as widespread unrest and violence continue.

(CNN)- American tourists are stranded in parts of Mexico as widespread unrest and violence continue following the killing of Mexico’s most-wanted cartel boss.

“We’re just gonna be patient and support each other and just try to get out of here as soon as we can,” said Colleen EchoHawk, a Seattle resident currently stuck in Mexico.

EchoHawk said she and others were preparing to leave for the airport when hotel staff warned them it was not safe to travel.

“We’re like about an hour from going to the airport. The team here at the hotel were like, ‘Hey, you don’t wanna go right now,’” she said.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel and a major trafficker of drugs into the U.S., was killed Sunday along with other cartel members during a Mexican military operation aided by U.S. intelligence.

His death triggered a series of violent incidents across affected areas.

“It really did look and feel like a war zone,” said U.S. tourist Travis Dagenais. “That feeling of what does happen next or what could happen next.”

Suspected organized crime group members have set buses on fire, blocked roads, and clashed with authorities.

“Yesterday was definitely scary. It’s like scenes out of a movie,” said David Miranda, another American tourist stranded in Mexico.

Several air carriers suspended flights to and from impacted cities. Some routes remain disrupted, while flights to and from other cities are expected to resume Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department is urging American nationals in certain areas to continue sheltering in place, even as other parts of the country begin returning to normal.