Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have unleashed a coordinated wave of violence across at least 20 Mexican states, setting vehicles and businesses ablaze in retaliation for the death of their leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho”. El Mencho, regarded as Mexico’s most wanted man, died in custody on Sunday shortly after being captured by Mexican special forces. He had been seriously injured during a fierce firefight between his bodyguards and military commandos sent to apprehend him.
According to the defence ministry, he succumbed to his injuries while being transported from the town of Tapalpa in Jalisco state to Mexico City. At least six of his security guards were killed during the operation, and three members of the Mexican military were injured.
As news of his death spread, cartel members launched retaliatory attacks in towns and cities where the CJNG maintains a strong presence. Roads were blocked with burning vehicles, while spikes and nails were scattered across highways to immobilise traffic.
In several locations, gunmen commandeered buses and private vehicles before torching them in the middle of major roads. Dozens of banks, pharmacies and other local businesses were also set alight, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Dramatic footage captured by residents showed smoke rising over multiple cities, including the Pacific coast resort of Puerto Vallarta. The beach destination, popular with international tourists, appeared engulfed in chaos as vehicles burned along its waterfront.
In Guadalajara, one of the host cities for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, panic erupted at the airport. Travellers were seen running and crouching on the floor after reports of gunfire near a nearby highway.
News outlet Milenio reported that the alarm began when a group of people rushed into the airport seeking shelter after hearing gunshots. While a burnt-out vehicle was spotted on the highway, authorities dismissed rumours that shots had been fired inside the terminal.
Across affected regions, local authorities urged residents to remain indoors as streets fell largely deserted. The scale of the unrest evoked memories of the 2019 violence in Sinaloa following the capture of Ovidio Guzmán López.
At the time, intense clashes between security forces and the Sinaloa cartel forced authorities to release Guzmán López, the son of jailed drug kingpin Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, in order to prevent further bloodshed. Though he was re-arrested in 2023 and extradited to the United States, retaliatory attacks have since become a recurring feature after high-profile arrests.
In Puerto Vallarta, tourists were instructed to shelter in place as violence unfolded. Around 300 travellers were stranded at the city’s airport after flights were cancelled, and were later escorted to the city centre under heavy police protection. One tourist described the situation as looking “like a war zone”.
The UK Foreign Office urged visitors to “exercise extreme caution” and comply with orders to remain indoors. Sara Morales, holidaying in Puerto Vallarta with her children, told Mexican newspaper El Economista: “I was very afraid because I didn't know what was happening,” after being asked to leave Las Glorias beach.
The US State Department advised Americans in Jalisco, Baja California, Quintana Roo and parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas to shelter in place. Jalisco’s governor declared a “code red”, suspending public transport, cancelling mass events and halting in-person classes.
Newspaper El Universal reported more than 250 road blockades across affected states. Security officials said about 90% had been lifted, though tensions remain high in Jalisco, the CJNG’s stronghold. Authorities confirmed 25 arrests, 11 linked to violent acts and 14 to alleged looting.
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged citizens to stay “calm and informed”, adding that “in most parts of the country, activities are proceeding normally”. She praised the security forces for the operation that led to El Mencho’s capture.
The raid was carried out by the Mexican army with support from the National Guard and Air Force, the defence ministry said, noting that “complementary information” from the United States aided the mission. The US had offered a $15m (£11.1m) reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.
US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described him as a “top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland”. Mike Vigil, former head of international operations at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, called the raid “one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking” in remarks to CBS News.
