Violence Erupts in Mexico After Cartel Leader’s Death

On Sunday, chaos gripped Mexico’s major resort region as attacks were reported at an airport following the military’s killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

In Puerto Vallarta, tourists were advised to remain indoors amid riots sparked by the powerful drug lord’s death.

The U.S. State Department responded by urging American citizens to evacuate to secure areas.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro informed X that clashes occurred shortly after federal troops executed an operation in Tapalpa. He noted, “We’ve seen individuals setting vehicles on fire and blocking roads to disrupt authorities’ attempts to manage the situation.”

As violence erupted, many found themselves trapped in hotels in Puerto Vallarta, where vehicles were ablaze and barricades lined the streets.

In another alarming incident, a shooting was reported at Guadalajara International Airport, with videos circulating online showing panicked travelers fleeing the terminal.

Thick smoke was visible from burning vehicles and barricades set up across various locations.

Authorities are now calling for federal military support to combat the escalating gang violence.

Oseguera Cervantes, who dropped out of school in sixth grade, rose to infamy as one of Mexico’s most feared cartel figures, particularly after Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman was apprehended and sentenced by U.S. authorities.

His death triggered violence not just in Jalisco, but also in several states including Veracruz, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, and Aguascalientes, as cartel members retaliated.