Mexico was shaken by violence after the country’s most wanted cartel leader, known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday. Armed groups burned cars, blocked roads, and set fire to buildings in different parts of the country soon after news of his death became public.
The Mexican government said security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He had led the cartel for many years and was seen as one of Mexico’s most violent criminal figures. Under his control, the cartel expanded quickly, selling drugs, extorting businesses, and spreading fear in many communities.
Authorities said Oseguera was captured in Tapalpa, a small town in the western state of Jalisco, where his cartel was founded. He was injured during the operation and died while being flown to Mexico City for medical care. At least nine other cartel members were also killed. Three Mexican security officers were injured.
His death immediately led to chaos in many states. Armed groups set fires and blocked highways with burning vehicles. In at least 13 states, supermarkets, banks, and cars were attacked. In Jalisco alone, officials said about 20 branches of a state-run bank were damaged or burned. More than 20 roads were blocked.
Many areas of Jalisco, including the city of Guadalajara, saw serious unrest. Guadalajara, a city of about 1.4 million people, is also one of the host cities for this year’s World Cup. Videos on social media showed panic at Guadalajara International Airport, with travelers and staff running out of the building. However, airport officials later said operations continued normally and there was no danger to passengers.
Public transportation was suspended in some areas. Concerts and soccer matches were canceled. Some flights were delayed or redirected, and at least one port stopped operations. Schools in several states canceled Monday classes. Airlines and bus companies also stopped some services for safety reasons.
Violence also broke out in the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, where officials told hotels to ask guests to stay inside. A local woman said she saw armed men force passengers off a city bus before setting it on fire. She described seeing about 20 masked men pouring gasoline and lighting the area ablaze.
There were also reports of unrest in tourist areas such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen, where supermarkets were set on fire. Much of the violence appeared to be an attempt by the cartel to show its strength and send a warning to the government.
The killing of Oseguera is considered a major success for Mexico’s new campaign against drug cartels. It could also ease tension with the United States. President Donald Trump has pressured Mexico to fight the cartels more aggressively and has even warned of possible U.S. military action.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm. She said the federal government was working closely with state authorities and that most of the country remained peaceful. At the same time, she has firmly rejected the idea of U.S. military strikes in Mexico, saying they would violate Mexico’s sovereignty.
The Mexican government confirmed that the United States provided intelligence that helped in the operation. However, U.S. officials said no American troops were involved. Christopher Landau, the U.S. deputy secretary of state and former ambassador to Mexico, praised Mexican forces and called the operation an important step for security in the region.
Experts say the situation could become even more unstable. In the past, when major cartel leaders were captured or killed, violence increased. Rival groups often fight for control, and government forces face retaliation. Analysts compare this moment to the 2016 capture of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, known as El Chapo.
The key question now is whether the Jalisco cartel has a clear new leader. If not, the group could split into rival factions, leading to more bloodshed. Under Oseguera’s leadership, the cartel became one of Mexico’s strongest trafficking groups, moving drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, including shipments to the United States.
For years, Oseguera managed to avoid arrest, even though the U.S. government had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. He faced several drug charges in U.S. federal courts and was one of Washington’s top targets.
By Sunday evening, cities like Guadalajara were unusually quiet. Streets were mostly empty as people stayed inside their homes. Many businesses, including gas stations and shops, closed early. Residents described fear and uncertainty about what might happen next.
While the killing of El Mencho marks a major blow to organized crime in Mexico, the days ahead will show whether it brings greater security — or sparks a new wave of violence across the country.
Published: 23th February 2026
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