Chaos, shootings and terrified civilians running for shelter compose the cinematic scene unfolding today, Sunday, in Mexico, following news that Nemesio Oseguera Ruben Cervantes, known as “El Mencho” and leader of the cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), was killed during a major military operation in Jalisco state. The news triggered immediate and violent reactions, with widespread incidents, roadblocks and chaos at Guadalajara International Airport.
Mexico: CJNG cartel retaliates for leader’s death
According to Mexican media and government sources, Oseguera Cervantes was killed in an armed forces operation in Jalisco, the stronghold of the cartel he led. The CJNG is considered one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations internationally, with extensive operations in trafficking cocaine, fentanyl and other drugs to the United States and other countries. The elimination of “El Mencho” triggered immediate mobilization of cartel members and associates.
Mexican authorities say Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a security operation. pic.twitter.com/Lt1Q4Jm7WV
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) February 22, 2026
In several regions, mainly in Jalisco and Guanajuato states, attacks, vehicle arsons and blockades on main highways were reported. Burning trucks and buses were used to block roads, while clashes with security forces occurred. The situation was out of control at Guadalajara International Airport, where panic scenes unfolded. Reports spoke of gunfire near the facilities, resulting in terminal evacuations and operational shutdowns. Terrified travelers were forced to abandon waiting areas, seeking safe shelter. Disruption also occurred at Puerto Vallarta airport, where, according to international media, passengers were removed from waiting lounges amid fears of escalating violence. Authorities reinforced their presence at strategic points, attempting to restore control.
See photos and videos:
Video viral del operativo de las fuerzas armadas de Mexico a la búsqueda y caza del líder del CJNG Nemesio Oceguera alias el Mencho. pic.twitter.com/4YuhB1cqA2
— El Diario de Guadalajara (@DiariodeGDL) February 22, 2026
The CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) is setting vehicles and public buses on fire in Guadalajara, Mexico. pic.twitter.com/JBj78U1XYT
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) February 22, 2026
🚨BREAKING: Puerto Vallarta has ERUPTED into full-scale cartel violence following the reported killing of El Mencho, kingpin of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), by Mexican forces today.
Roads blocked with burning vehicles, car bombings reported, thick smoke over the… pic.twitter.com/G51fJ2W2eu
— Walter Curt (@wcdispatch) February 22, 2026
Reporte de Villa corona, Jalisco. pic.twitter.com/gSGgTIXJTn
— El Diario de Guadalajara (@DiariodeGDL) February 22, 2026
🚒Narcobloqueos se registran en Jalisco, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima, Nayarit y Aguascalientes tras operativos de fuerzas de seguridad.
En Jalisco, un operativo federal en Tapalpa detonó enfrentamientos e incendios de vehículos en distintos puntos, incluida la Zona… pic.twitter.com/N8gJ4GriRd
— RutaElectoralmx (@RutaElectoralmx) February 22, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: Attacks breakout throughout Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco after the Mexican military killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka “El Mencho,” the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) pic.twitter.com/qpSqdrCOU3
— Ian Miles Cheong (@ianmiles) February 22, 2026
Grabación de un piloto (según veo desde el interior del avión Airbus) que le reportan hombres armados en el aeropuerto, en momentos de caos, suelen los rumores tomarse como reales, no tenemos confirmación alguna pic.twitter.com/xeL3DFPWEK
— Datos Aeronáuticos ◽ (@CapLaloVargas) February 22, 2026
BREAKING:
Panic at Guadalajara International Airport in Jalisco after a CJNG Cartel attack on the airport in response to the founder and long-time leader of the cartel “El Mencho” having been killed in an army operation a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/xV8XJfkhKJ
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 22, 2026
Footage shows a large fire near Guadalajara International Airport, reportedly caused by a CJNG (Jalisco New Generation Cartel) roadblock. pic.twitter.com/qcjgVhKLha
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) February 22, 2026
Nemesio Oseguera Ruben Cervantes was on the list of most wanted criminals worldwide. US authorities had offered a bounty for his capture exceeding $15 million. Under his leadership, the CJNG evolved into one of the most aggressive and rapidly expanding criminal organizations in Mexico, with international drug trafficking networks and involvement in bloody clashes with rival cartels and state forces. Mexico remains on high alert, with authorities trying to prevent further destabilization.
US warning for American citizens in several Mexican states
The US State Department issued a warning for American citizens to remain in their homes in Jalisco, Tamaulipas states and areas of Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states. The US had previously offered a $15 million reward for information leading to “El Mencho’s” arrest.
