23.02.2026 10:33
The killing of CJNG leader and the country's most wanted drug baron El Mencho, who was sought with a $10 million reward, with the intelligence support of the CIA, plunged Mexico into chaos. While the CJNG cartel engaged in fierce clashes with the army on the streets, hundreds of tourists were trapped in resorts and villas. As gunfire erupted in the region, which was visited by 6 million tourists last year, a major disaster could occur if the cartel were to raid the hotels.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed in an operation for which the CIA allegedly provided intelligence support. Following the development, CJNG members engaged in fierce clashes with the Mexican army in the streets, plunging the country into chaos.
GUNFIRE IN THE STREETS
After El Mencho was neutralized, cartel members clashed with security forces in several locations. As gunfire erupted in city centers, reports indicated that vehicles were set on fire and roads were blocked in some areas. While security forces launched a large-scale operation, officials warned the public to stay indoors.
HUNDREDS OF TOURISTS TRAPPED
In the tourist areas where clashes occurred, hundreds of tourists were trapped in resorts and villas. In a region that welcomed approximately 6 million tourists last year, hotels and beaches emptied. Tour operators canceled reservations for safety reasons, while some countries issued travel warnings to their citizens.
"IF HOTELS ARE RAIDED, IT WILL BE A DISASTER" CONCERN
Experts warned that a major humanitarian crisis could occur if the CJNG targets tourist facilities in retaliation. The cartel is known to have operated with heavy weapons in the past and conducted coordinated attacks. Security forces have increased measures in tourist centers.