Summary

Several Mexican states are experiencing security disturbances, riots and violence following the killing of the leader of one of the country's largest drug trafficking gangs, known as 'El Mencho', in a military raid.

Hours after the killing of the leader of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', in a military raid on Sunday, gunmen believed to be his supporters blocked highways in several states and set cars and businesses on fire. In some cities, tourists and residents were asked to stay in their homes, while truck drivers were advised to take safe routes or return to their yards until the violence subsides. Several airlines, including Air Canada, United Airlines, and Mexicana, canceled their flights on Sunday to Puerto Vallarta, a beach resort, where stunned tourists filmed columns of smoke rising from fires. Meanwhile, the wave of violence that swept more than six states presented a familiar scene for Mexicans who have spent two decades watching successive governments wage war on drug cartels, devastating large areas of the country.

US intelligence support

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government to assist in the operation carried out in Talpalla, which resulted in the elimination of 'El Mencho'. She added in a post on X that 'El Mencho' was 'a top target for both the Mexican and US governments as one of the leading fentanyl traffickers to the United States. Last year, President (Donald) Trump rightly designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, which is exactly what it is. In this operation, three other cartel members were killed, three were injured, and two were arrested.' She added that President Trump 'has been very clear: the United States will ensure that drug terrorists who send deadly drugs to the United States are held accountable under the law. The Trump administration also commends and thanks the Mexican army for its cooperation and success in carrying out this operation.'

The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.… https://t.co/iKxsAMmnLN

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 23, 2026

Revenge for the leader

A member of Oseguera's Jalisco New Generation Cartel told Reuters that the fires and sporadic gunfire were revenge for the killing of their leader by the government, and threatened more bloodshed as groups move to take control of his cartel. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, 'The attacks were carried out as revenge for the leader's killing, initially against the government and due to anger.' He added, 'But later, internal killings will occur by groups seeking to extend their influence.' On Mexico's Pacific coast, five hours' drive from the scene of the military operation in the town of Talpalla where the drug cartel leader was killed, vacationers on the pier in Puerto Vallarta were stunned and pulled out their phones to film thick plumes of smoke blocking the blue ocean, as shown in a video shared with Reuters. Daniel Droulette, a Canadian who has spent winters in Puerto Vallarta for years, said in a phone interview that he is concerned about the emergence of a new era of violence in the usually quiet resort area. He added, 'I've never seen anything like this before.'

Attacking military police and cutting roads

In Jalisco state, authorities reported that gunmen attacked a base of the National Guard's military police, advised guests to stay inside hotels, and suspended public transportation. Government security sources captured on video other scenes of criminal activity and the military response, including a green military tank making its way through a residential neighborhood in Aguascalientes state and roadblocks paralyzing traffic on the heavily traveled Mexico City-Puebla highway.

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In Colima state, cartel members standing on pickup trucks blocked the road. A trucking industry group said in a statement it was 'extremely concerned' about violence on highways and recommended truck drivers stay in safe areas or return to their yards until conditions improve.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who previously served as US ambassador to Mexico, said in a social media post: 'I am following the scenes of violence in Mexico with great sadness and deep concern.' He added, 'It is not surprising that the bad guys respond with terror, but we must never lose our nerves.' Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the violence in a social media post but spoke in a calm tone.

More about: Mexico, drug trafficking, El Mencho, riots, road closures, war on drugs