Mexico on alert after the death of “El Mencho”: CJNG responds with violence to the killing of its most powerful drug lord
Following the confirmation of the death of Nemesio Oseguera “El Mencho,” leader of the CJNG, Mexico is facing an escalation of violence with roadblocks, fires, and security alerts in multiple states.
Mexico is on high alert and tense after the confirmation that Mexican federal forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation in the municipality of Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco. The operation, which had U.S. intelligence support, dealt a significant blow to one of the most wanted drug lords in the fight against drug trafficking.
Since the night of the operation, acts of violence and chaos have been reported in several regions of the country, with vehicles set on fire, roadblocks, and riots in at least 16 of Mexico's 32 states. The so-called “narco-blockades” occurred primarily in Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas, forcing local authorities to suspend classes, public transportation, and mass gatherings as a precautionary measure.
The embassies of several countries, including Spain and the United States, issued security alerts and recommendations for their citizens to remain in safe places and avoid going out due to the violence. International flights were also suspended in areas such as Puerto Vallarta due to the unrest.
Security analysts indicate that the CJNG's violent reaction stems from the loss of its longtime leader and the cartel's attempts by its cells to demonstrate power and maintain territorial control, creating an atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty. The situation could escalate if containment operations are not reinforced in the affected regions.
The national government has reinforced the presence of federal forces and called for calm, while the transfer and official forensic examination of Oseguera Cervantes' body continue. Authorities emphasize that, although the death of “El Mencho” represents a key moment in the fight against organized crime, the situation of violence has not yet stabilized and will continue to evolve in the coming days.
Puerto Vallarta is a war-zone, many Canadians and tourists are trapped in their resorts and villas as CJNG cartel and security forces battle on the streets.#CJNG #puertovallarta #mexico pic.twitter.com/0iBf0dNlg7 — K13 News (@K13News) February 23, 2026
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