El Mencho Killed in Tapalpa Raid on Feb 22, 2026 The Mexican army shot and mortally wounded Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about 140 km southwest of Guadalajara, on 22 February 2026; he died while being air‑lifted to Mexico City [1][2]. The raid also eliminated seven of his bodyguards, according to Mexican officials [1]. U.S. intelligence agencies assisted the strike, a fact highlighted by both the White House and Mexican defense officials [1][2].

CJNG Launches Coordinated Retaliation Across 20 States Within hours, CJNG members set fire to vehicles and stores at more than 250 locations, blocking roads in roughly 20 states and creating massive smoke plumes [2]. The violence killed at least 14 people, including seven National Guard troops, and forced school closures in several regions [1][2]. Videos showed arson, road blockades, airport shutdowns, and attacks on banks in Guadalajara and the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta [1].

Air Travel and Tourist Zones Disrupted by Violence Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, and other airlines canceled services to multiple Mexican cities as smoke and security concerns spread [2]. The U.S. State Department warned citizens to avoid travel in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León, while France and the United States issued travel alerts urging tourists to remain in hotels [1]. Canada’s embassy in Mexico urged shelter‑in‑place for Canadians in Puerto Vallarta [2].

Authorities Urge Shelter‑in‑Place as Violence Spreads Mexican officials called on residents to stay indoors and ordered merchants to close their businesses amid the unrest [1]. Police and National Guard units were deployed to restore order, but the cartel’s use of drones and roadside mines complicated response efforts [2]. The government emphasized that the operation targeted the country’s most powerful criminal organization, aiming to dismantle CJNG’s leadership structure [1][2].