Violence Grips Mexico Following Death Of Drug Lord “El Mencho”

Widespread chaos has swept across Mexico following the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho”, the head of the formidable Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The Mexican Army announced that Oseguera, along with several of his senior lieutenants, were killed during a coordinated military strike on Sunday, February 22, in the state of Jalisco.

The mission, which had been intended to apprehend the infamous drug lord, set off an immediate and violent wave of retaliation across several parts of the country.

Within hours of the news of El Mencho’s death breaking, cartel members launched a fierce and disorganized counterattack.

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Armed factions torched vehicles, erected burning barricades on highways, and engaged in violent confrontations with security forces across at least six states, among them Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, and Nayarit.

Major cities such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta bore the brunt of the unrest, with roads becoming impassable and residents being advised to remain at home for their own safety.

Videos spreading across social media captured thick black smoke billowing above Puerto Vallarta’s skyline, stoking fear among both tourists and residents.

The disorder quickly extended to key transportation hubs. Footage widely circulated online showed scenes of panic at Guadalajara International Airport, with travellers running or taking cover following reports of gunfire and cartel activity in the vicinity.

Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico, and American Airlines, halted flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara as a precautionary measure.