Clouds of smoke rise in the Mexican holiday resort of Puerto Vallarta following violent reactions to the death of drug lord “El Mencho”.Image: keystone
February 23, 2026, 10:36 amFebruary 23, 2026, 10:36 am
After the death of Mexican cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, violence and chaos broke out in several holiday resorts in Mexico.
In the states of Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato, roads were blocked by burning vehicles. National Guard bases were also attacked, local media reported. There are said to have been deaths and injuries.
An American tourist reported to CNNhow he left his hotel to go to breakfast. He saw taxis being blown up everywhere and blocking the streets. “Then suddenly everyone ran down the street screaming and shouting and demanding everyone go back to their hotels,” he says.
There was panic among tourists, especially at the airport in the western Mexican city of Guadalajara, as several photos show. At Guadalajara International Airport, travelers sought shelter near a passenger boarding bridge and ran through the terminal.
Numerous domestic and international flights have now been canceled. Operations have since resumed, according to Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Authority.
This is how tourists should behave in Mexico
The US embassy and the diplomatic missions of other countries have now called on their citizens in Mexico to be more vigilant. Among other things, there were warnings about acts of violence in the popular Caribbean holiday destinations of Cancún, Cozumel and Tulum.
The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA) adjusted its travel advice for Mexico on Monday. Traffic disruptions and road closures must be expected in Jalisco. Air traffic could be disrupted or restricted. “Extreme caution” is required.
Travelers in Mexico should avoid “mass events and rallies of any kind”. In addition, instructions from local authorities – such as curfews – should be followed.
The German embassy also warned on Platform Anyone who is in a safe place such as a hotel should stay there until further notice and avoid non-essential trips. “Do not try to resist or flee during roadblocks,” the embassy continued.
The Mexican cartel boss “El Mencho” died of his injuries on Sunday after a military operation to arrest him in the western state of Jalisco. The 59-year-old was the leader of the extremely violent drug cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG; in German “Jalisco New Generation”).
(hkl, with material from sda)