Violence spread across multiple Mexican states on Sunday, February 22nd, following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Modern Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation in Jalisco state. The operation, confirmed by Mexico’s Ministry of Defense, resulted in the death of Oseguera Cervantes after he was wounded during a raid in Tapalpa and subsequently died even as being transported to Mexico City.
The immediate aftermath of the operation saw suspected cartel members torching vehicles and establishing roadblocks in several cities, including the popular resort destination of Puerto Vallarta. Videos circulating online depict smoke rising over the city, a stark contrast to its typical coastal scenery. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro issued a public warning regarding potential violence throughout the region, and visitors were advised to remain indoors.
The United States and Canada issued advisories urging their citizens in Mexico to shelter in place and avoid travel to airports or public streets. Several airlines suspended flights to and from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport as a precaution. The U.S. State Department urged American nationals in affected areas to “seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels.”
U.S. Officials confirmed intelligence support was provided for the operation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the U.S. “provided intelligence” for the operation. A U.S. Defense official indicated the U.S. Military, through the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel and U.S. Northern Command, played a supporting role, emphasizing that it was “a Mexican military operation, so the success is theirs.” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera Cervantes as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” calling his death “a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.”
The CJNG, known for trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States, has established itself as Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization. Mike Vigil, former DEA Chief of International Operations, characterized the operation as “one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking,” comparing Oseguera Cervantes in stature to Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
As of Monday, February 23rd, more than 250 blockades had been reported across 20 Mexican states, according to Mexico’s Security Cabinet, though most roadblocks have since been cleared. The violence has also cast a shadow over Guadalajara, which is scheduled to host FIFA World Cup matches in June, including a match between Mexico and South Korea at the Estadio Akron.
While authorities have reported no confirmed instances of tourists being directly targeted, the overall security situation remains fluid. Mexican federal forces have not issued further statements regarding ongoing operations or potential retaliatory actions by the CJNG.
