- By Ajeet Kumar
- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:05 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, "El Mencho."
- His death sparked widespread chaos, violence, and travel advisories.
- India, US, Canada issued warnings for citizens in Mexico.
The Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho, " on Sunday, decapitating what had become Mexico’s most powerful cartel and giving the government its biggest prize yet to show the Trump administration its efforts. This triggered massive chaos in the country, with armed men vandalising public places such as airports. This resulted in India issuing a travel advisory.
“There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice,” Indian Embassy in Mexico said in a travel advisory issued on Monday.
“For assistance, please contact the Embassy of India at +52 55 4847 7539,” it added.
Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico:
— India in México (@IndEmbMexico) February 22, 2026
There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities),…
What's going on in Mexico?
Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defence Department said in a statement. The state is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States.
During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the statement said. Two others were arrested and armoured vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment.
The US Embassy in Mexico said on X that the operation was carried out by Mexican special forces “within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with US authorities providing complementary intelligence.”
Roadblocks and burning vehicles
The killing of the powerful drug lord set off several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations. Jalisco cancelled school in the state for Monday.
Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic. On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to an ongoing security situation” and advised customers not to go to their airport.
In Guadalajara, the state capital, burning vehicles blocked roads. Mexico’s second-largest city is scheduled to host matches during this summer’s soccer World Cup.
Several countries issue travel advisories
Several countries, including the US, Canada, and India, have issued travel advisories for Mexico amid a massive rampage.
The US State Department warned US citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon states to remain in safe places due to the ongoing security operations. Canada’s embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and generally to keep a low profile in Jalisco.
Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus told residents to stay at home and suspended public transportation.
US had offered up to USD 15 million for his capture
The US State Department had offered a reward of up to USD 15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, known as CJNG, is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organisations in Mexico and was born in 2009.
In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, like her predecessor, has criticised the “kingpin” strategy of previous administrations that took out cartel leaders only to trigger explosions of violence as cartels fractured. While she has remained popular in Mexico, security is a persistent concern, and since US President Donald Trump took office a year ago, she has been under tremendous pressure to show results against drug trafficking.
(With inputs from agency)