23.02.2026 17:31
After the death of El Mencho, the leader of the country's largest cartel, the streets turned into a battlefield in the ensuing conflicts in Mexico. As homes and vehicles were set on fire, the images that emerged revealed the seriousness of the situation in the country.
After the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the country's most wanted drug lord El Mencho in Mexico, the country turned into a battlefield. Cartel members set fire to the streets across the country and launched attacks on security forces.
THEY SET VEHICLES AND HOUSES ON FIRE
The seriousness of the situation in Mexico was clearly seen in the latest images coming from the country. The footage showed streets, houses, and vehicles completely engulfed in flames, with smoke rising from all directions.
6 MORE CARTEL MEMBERS KILLED BESIDES EL MENCHO
The Mexican government made an official statement regarding the operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho," the leader of one of the country's largest criminal organizations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The statement from the Mexican Ministry of Defense indicated that a military operation was carried out in the city of Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state, to capture El Mencho, stating, "The military forces that were attacked during the operation responded to the assault to ensure their own safety."
The statement noted that as a result of the ensuing clash, 4 members of the criminal organization "CJNG" lost their lives at the scene, and "3 cartel members who were seriously injured died while being transported by air to Mexico City. This group included El Mencho," it was stated.
It was reported that 2 cartel members were captured alive, and "various weapons and armored vehicles, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles, were seized." It was also mentioned that 3 security personnel injured during the operation were transported to medical facilities in Mexico City for treatment.
"US INTELLIGENCE PROVIDED SUPPORT"
The Mexican Ministry of Defense stated that the operation in which El Mencho was neutralized was also supported by the US, saying, "In the execution of the operation, in addition to central military intelligence information, complementary information provided by the authorities of that country was utilized within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the US." It was noted that additional military elements were deployed to the region to ensure security in Jalisco state, emphasizing, "These actions once again demonstrate the determination of the Mexican Ministry of Defense to ensure the security of the country."
"ACTIVITIES CONTINUE NORMALLY IN MOST OF THE COUNTRY"
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized in a social media post that they are in full coordination with all state administrations following the operation. She highlighted that the Mexican government continuously shares updates regarding the security situation, stating, "Activities continue normally in most of the country."
NUMEROUS FLIGHTS CANCELLED
According to a report by Fox News, following the outbreak of violence, Air Canada, based in Canada, announced that it had temporarily suspended its operations in Puerto Vallarta.
US-based United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines announced the cancellation of flights on February 22 to cities including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Mazatlan.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Federal security forces in Mexico carried out a military operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the town of Tapalpa, located about 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, yesterday, and it was reported that CJNG leader El Mencho was killed in the clash.
Following the operation, numerous roadblocks and vehicle and business arson incidents occurred in Jalisco and other states as a possible retaliation by the criminal organization.
The Jalisco state government urged the public to stay at home, suspended public transportation, and implemented a "red alert" due to developments threatening public safety. Widespread violence continues to escalate in many states across the country.