Violence Flares in Mexico After Top Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ Killed by Military

Violence erupted across parts of Mexico after the Mexican military killed cartel leader “El Mencho” on Feb. 22, including the reported burning of vehicles on highways and gunfire in public spaces.

El Mencho, whose real name is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, also known as CJNG, one of the most powerful drug organizations in the country.

His death has triggered violence across several states. Footage posted on social media shows scenes of people running for safety at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco, Mexico, as alleged CJNG members targeted the airport.

Pacific Airport Group (GAP) later issued a statement on social media saying Guadalajara International Airport was operating normally, that no incidents occurred inside the airport, and that there was no risk to passengers.

“The situations recorded in various areas of the state do not impact the internal operation of the airport terminal or the security inside the facilities,” GAP said in a post on X, according to a translation.

The group said the terminal is under the protection of the Mexican National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense and called on passengers to stay calm and follow instructions at all times.

Air Canada said it canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta after a shelter-in-place order was issued because of the ongoing security situation at the coastal city.

“We are monitoring the situation and are working to bring our customers back as soon as it is safe to do so,” the airline said in a post on social media.

Footage circulated on social media appeared to show alleged cartel members setting fire to gas stations and burning vehicles on highways in Puerto Vallarta.

In a post on X, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged that the government operation against the drug cartel had triggered “various blockades and other reactions,” and she said that there would be full coordination between state and federal authorities.

“In most of the country, activities are proceeding normally,” Sheinbaum said, urging people to stay calm and informed, according to a translation.

US Provided Intelligence: Leavitt

The White House confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support for the operation to capture El Mencho and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.

“The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Feb 22 post on X.

“‘El Mencho’ was a … top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.”

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a Feb. 22 alert on social media urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place because of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity” in parts of the country.

The embassy said that some businesses have suspended operations because of the country’s situation and that roadblocks may affect travel.

“While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with most domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta,” it stated. “All ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta.”

Citizens were urged to avoid areas with law enforcement activity, monitor media for updates, follow the directions of local authorities, and keep their family and friends updated about their location and well-being.

El Mencho had been significantly involved in drug trafficking activities since the 1990s. He was convicted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in 1994 of conspiracy to distribute heroin and served nearly three years in prison. Following his release from custody, he returned to Mexico and reengaged in drug trafficking activity.

In 2024, the U.S. State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

“Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States for drug trafficking,” the U.S. State Department said at the time. “Most recently, in April 2022, Oseguera was charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States; and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.”

Jack Phillips and The Associated Press contributed to this report.