Guadalajara is effectively run by the cartel (they live there) but keep the violence a minimum where they live and unless you are directly linked or a target, they leave you alone at least there. It's otherwise relatively safe and absolutely a beautiful city.
This is most definitely unprecedented as retaliation (especially where it is occurring and has spread to) and on a vastly different scale then the Puerto Vallarta incident a few years ago which drew international attention. Hospitals and emergency services are being attacked with cartel blockades all around the city (videos of a hospital being evacuated for example). Zapopan (city next to Guadalajara and the well off live here) is being targeted as well.
Shelter in place is really the only option for foreigners. Do as locals tell you, if locals are hiding and clearing out food stores, this is not the time to wonder if you should get to the airport (paths to the airport are being targeted or blocked). This may pass, or may escalate further, but the safest thing for tourists is to stay low.
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