Violence erupts after Mexican cartel leader “El Mencho” killed in federal operation
Violent clashes broke out in parts of western Mexico on Sunday amid a military operation that left the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader dead, triggering widespread security concerns across the region.
Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, in an operation carried out in the western state of Jalisco under the Ministry of Defense of Mexico. in question In the statement made about X, it was stated that he was injured in the raid on the town of Tapalpa and died while being taken to Mexico City.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau approved The death of the cartel leader identified him as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug lords”.
“This is a great development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” he said on X.
The operation took place after hours of barricades with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are widely used by cartels to disrupt military operations.
A member of the prosecutor’s office stands guard next to a burning bus that was set on fire by organized crime groups in response to an operation to arrest a high-priority security target in Jalisco, on one of the main streets of Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. / Credit: Ulises Ruiz /AFP via Getty Images
(Credits Ruiz /AFP via Getty Images)
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro activated “code red,” a state of emergency or security crisis protocol, in response to the clashes. In his post on X, he said that public transportation was suspended throughout Jalisco and called on people in the region to stay at home until the situation is under control.
Videos circulating on social media showed clouds of smoke rising over the city of Puerto Vallarta, a major city in Jalisco, and people racing through the airport in the state’s capital in panic.
A similar situation occurred at the airport in the border city of Reynosa in Mexico’s Tamaulipas state, sources on the ground and family members in the city told CBS News’ Nidia Cavazos. They said the roads to and from the airport were blocked by cartel members. Reynosa borders McAllen, Texas, and is often filled with Americans traveling back and forth. While international bridges remained open, main streets leading to the bridges were closed.
US State Department issues security alert consulting American citizens in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon, will remain in place until further notice.
Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations at Puerto Vallarta Airport due to what it describes as an “ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta” affecting the airport.
“We are monitoring the situation and are in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue,” the airline said. in question.
A man extinguishes a burning truck that was set on fire by organized crime groups in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico. February 22, 2026. / Credit: Ulises RUIZ /AFP via Getty Images
Southwest and Alaska Airlines confirmed they canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, while Delta Air Lines issued travel exemptions to customers flying into and out of the airport in Puerto Vallarta as well as Guadalajara.
“The safety of our customers and crew always comes first, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the region. We have taken steps to adjust our operations accordingly and are working to communicate with our affected customers,” Delta said in a statement. he said.
The US State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest.
Wanted poster in the USA
In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. saying It was stated that in addition to fentanyl smuggling, the group was also “engaged in extortion, immigrant smuggling, oil and mineral theft, and arms trade.”
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