Tourists caught in the heart of events described the nightmare they experienced in Mexico, following the outbreak of violence that followed the death of notorious drug baron Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”. According to testimony cited by the Daily Mail, “we were terrified: we were running while there were fires everywhere around us. I started filming to send to my family, in case I didn’t make it.”
The former police officer was killed following a special forces operation in Jalisco state, which triggered chain reactions. His cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, launched massive retaliation, setting up 252 roadblocks on federal roads, burning vehicles and attacking military installations, banks and gas stations. Chaos prevailed in at least 20 of the country’s 32 states, while major airports suspended operations.
😨 Relax, everyone — the Mexican army has arrived to restore order!
Except… that’s not the army.
It’s the Special Forces unit of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. https://t.co/GYycIwtkqb pic.twitter.com/VcqPn0SS0q
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) February 23, 2026
Mexico: the victims trapped in flames
Mexican authorities announced that more than 50 people lost their lives, including 25 members of security forces and about 30 alleged cartel gunmen. There were also civilian casualties, including a pregnant woman.
The popular resort Puerto Vallarta, a favorite destination for Americans and Canadians, was transformed into a battleground. Hotels operated as shelters, with visitors remaining locked in their rooms.
American Jim Beck, who has been visiting the area for two decades, described the panic: people were running to escape the flames, while he returned to his hotel where he was asked to stay inside. As he reported, he saw destroyed taxis blocking roads and remained hidden for 24 hours, with minimal food and water. “It’s surreal to see this beautiful place under quarantine,” he said.
Aaron Mason from New York spoke of complete paralysis: shops and restaurants closed, while homes ran out of food. Canadian Dave Block reported that his daughter saw cartel members setting fire to a car in front of them. “There was fire everywhere. It was terrifying,” he said, noting that the family went hungry due to the total lockdown.
Chaos erupted at the airport of Mexico’s second largest city when gunshots were heard and attacks occurred near the facilities. Influencer Yasmin Maya, who was there with her 84-year-old grandmother, described chaotic scenes with passengers dropping to the ground for protection. As she said, she recorded video amid panic to have a message ready for her family, in case the worst happened.
Other tourists posted images of propane tank explosions and burning buses. Flights were cancelled or delayed, while roads remained closed.
In Guanajuato state, schools and universities closed, while about 2,500 additional soldiers were deployed to western Mexico. In total, more than 9,500 members of the armed forces were mobilized.
The power vacuum
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated the army for the operation against “El Mencho” and assured that the situation is under control, emphasizing that there was no direct US involvement on Mexican soil.
Analysts estimate that the leader’s death creates a power vacuum in a cartel with presence in at least 21 states and strong international networks. The critical question is who will assume leadership and how.
The worst-case scenario, according to experts, would be an escalation of indiscriminate violence and “narco-terrorism” attacks aimed at intimidating the government.
For now, roadblocks in Puerto Vallarta have been removed, more than 70 arrests have been made, and flights are being gradually restored. However, for residents and visitors, the images and fear of recent days remain vivid. As a teacher from Mexico City said, “fear has spread everywhere on the streets.”
