Mexico’s Most Wanted Cartel Boss ‘El Mencho’ Killed in Military Operation Violence Erupts, Flights Suspended
Cartel leader’s death in Jalisco sparks coordinated violence, arson, road blockades and widespread flight cancellations across multiple states
US, Feb 23 : The United States and Canada have urged their citizens in several Mexican states to shelter in place following a surge of violence triggered by the killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
The security alerts were issued after a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, resulted in the death of one of Mexico’s most powerful drug traffickers, setting off retaliatory unrest that disrupted transportation, grounded flights and forced businesses to shut down.
Security Alerts Across Key States
The US advisory applies to Jalisco including Guadalajara, Chapala and Puerto Vallarta as well as Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacan and Nuevo Leon. Authorities confirmed that domestic and international flights were cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, while taxis and ride share services were suspended in parts of Jalisco.
US government personnel at the Consulate General in Tijuana and staff stationed in Michoacan, Guerrero and Quintana Roo were directed to remain indoors. Citizens were advised to avoid areas with heavy security presence, limit travel, monitor local updates and contact emergency services if necessary.
Canada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely tracking the “serious and evolving” security situation, particularly in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, and asked nationals to comply with local safety directives.
Military Operation and Casualties
Mexican authorities said federal forces carried out the operation in Tapalpa on Sunday. Gunfire erupted between security personnel and suspected cartel members. Four alleged gang members were killed at the scene.
Oseguera and two associates sustained critical injuries and later died while being airlifted to Mexico City, according to Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defence. Three members of the armed forces were injured and transported for treatment.
A former police officer, Oseguera transformed the CJNG into one of the country’s most feared criminal organisations. US authorities had placed a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture and had charged him with overseeing fentanyl trafficking operations into the United States.
Violence Spreads, Travel Disrupted
Following news of the cartel chief’s death, violent incidents spread beyond Jalisco into Michoacan and Guanajuato. Vehicles were set ablaze, highways were blocked and confrontations with law enforcement were reported.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro suspended public transportation services and urged residents to remain indoors. He later confirmed that unrest had extended to multiple states and advised against highway travel.
In Guanajuato, officials reported fires at commercial establishments but said no injuries had been recorded. Security operations involving the National Guard, Army and local police were deployed to restore order.
Air Canada temporarily halted flights to Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s most visited coastal destinations, as authorities worked to contain the situation.
