On February 22, 2026, the Mexican army conducted a special operation during which El Mencho, the leader of one of the world's most powerful drug cartels, was killed. His death sparked a wave of violence across the country: burning barricades, clashes with the military, and canceled flights. Learn more about the course of the operation, the scale of the unrest, and the possible consequences for Mexico and international security

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Mexico was swept by a wave of violence after a special operation that killed one of the world's most wanted drug lords, Nemesio Osejera Cervantes, known by the nickname El Mencho. The founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) had eluded the special services of both countries for over 15 years. His death sparked large-scale riots in twenty states, paralyzed transport links, and forced airlines to cancel flights to popular resorts.

The chronology of events, the scale of the chaos, and the background to the operation are described below.

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Special operation in Tapalpa: how was the leader of the CJNG cartel eliminated?

The military operation took place in the city of Tapalpa, located about 130 kilometers from Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco. Elite Mexican special forces, supported by American intelligence and the Interagency Joint Task Force on Countering Cartels, tracked down El Mencho's whereabouts. The storming of the house was accompanied by a fierce firefight — the drug lord's guards opened heavy fire, even damaging a military helicopter.

During the clash, Osega Cervantes was seriously wounded and died on the way to the hospital. In total, several other cartel members were killed at the scene, two suspects were detained, and armored vehicles, grenade launchers, and a significant arsenal of weapons were seized. The Mexican side confirmed that three soldiers were wounded. The Mexican Ministry of Defense officially stated that the operation was carried out in coordination with the United States through the US Northern Command.

Unrest in Mexico after El Mencho's death: more than 250 roadblocks

The news of El Mencho's death instantly provoked a reaction from cartel militants across the country. CJNG members launched a large-scale intimidation campaign — according to Mexican media reports, more than 250 roadblocks were set up in 20 states. Armed groups used the cartel's usual tactic of so-called “narco-blocks”: they burned cars, buses, and trucks in the middle of highways, blocking traffic and hindering the movement of security forces.

The most tense situation developed in the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas. In Guadalajara, the country's second-largest city, residents hid in their homes, fearing attacks by militants. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a state of emergency, suspended public transport, and urged the population to stay indoors. Roads were also blocked near the border town of Reynosa (Tamaulipas state), which borders McAllen, Texas, in a region with heavy cross-border traffic.

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Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta: the situation in Mexico's tourist cities

The unrest has seriously affected the tourist infrastructure of Mexico's west coast. In the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta, columns of black smoke rose above the streets from burning cars. American and Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, temporarily suspended flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Some planes that were already heading to the region from the US were forced to turn back. Cruise ships also changed their routes to avoid the dangerous area.

The situation at the Guadalajara Zoo received particular attention, where more than a thousand visitors, including many families with children, spent the night in blocked buses in a parking lot under army guard — it was impossible to leave the area due to the burning barricades. The US Embassy in Mexico City issued a warning to American citizens about the increased danger and recommended avoiding travel to the affected regions. A number of Mexican soccer league matches were also postponed or canceled.

Who is El Mencho: the path to power

Nemesio Osejera Cervantes was born in 1966. In 1994, he was convicted in the United States for heroin trafficking and served about three years in prison. Upon returning to Mexico, he rapidly increased his influence in the criminal world. Around 2009, Cervantes founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which over the next decade became one of the most powerful and aggressive criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere.

The CJNG built a billion-dollar empire based on the production and smuggling of drugs to the United States, as well as the illegal transport of migrants, extortion, oil theft, and arms trafficking.

According to data from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the cartel's structures operated in at least 21 of Mexico's 32 states and were present in all 50 US states. The group was known for using drones, homemade explosive devices, and heavy weapons, which made it dangerous even for regular armed forces. The US State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information that would help apprehend El Mencho.

The reaction of the US and Trump to the elimination of El Mencho

The US State Department welcomed the outcome of the operation, calling the elimination of El Mencho a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Osejo Cervantes as one of the most violent drug lords of our time. At the same time, the US urged its citizens in five Mexican states to remain in shelters until the situation stabilizes.

It is worth noting that in February 2025, the Donald Trump administration added CJNG to the list of foreign terrorist organizations. Trump himself has repeatedly said that Mexico is “run by cartels” and has called for decisive action from Washington. According to analysts, the elimination of El Mencho was the most significant blow to Mexican cartels since the arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán ten years ago. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that security forces are already regaining control of most roads, but the situation in many regions remains tense.

The events of recent days have clearly demonstrated how quickly the security situation in any country can change dramatically. Thousands of tourists found themselves stranded in hotels, airports, and even buses, unable to safely reach medical facilities or evacuate. Cancelled flights, closed roads, and overloaded hospitals are a reality that most travelers are not prepared for.

That is why having reliable medical insurance is a prerequisite for any trip abroad. The Visit World portal offers medical insurance policies that cover emergency medical care, evacuation, and other unforeseen situations anywhere in the world.

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Reminder! In 2026, Mexico will open BON Theme Park, the world's first luxury theme park featuring Cirque du Soleil shows, 25 attractions, and a luxury hotel. Find out what awaits tourists at the link.

Photo: Getty Images