El Mencho killed, Mexico erupts: Flights cancelled, tourists stranded. Safety guide for travellers

El Mencho killed in a Mexican military raid with US intelligence support, sparking violence, roadblocks and travel alerts across multiple states.

3 min readFeb 24, 2026 07:44 AM IST First published on: Feb 23, 2026 at 07:42 PM IST
mexico violenceThe killing of El Mencho sparked widespread violence in Mexico as schools were cancelled in several Mexican states on Monday. (AI Generated Image)

Mexico’s most wanted cartel boss and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was killed on Sunday in a Mexican military operation. The White House informed that the US provided intelligence support for the operation.

The killing of El Mencho sparked widespread violence in Mexico as schools were cancelled in several Mexican states on Monday, and multiple local and foreign governments advised their citizens to stay inside, following the Mexican army’s killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm amid unrest in the country, and the authorities announced on late Sunday that they have cleared most of the 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states in the country.

The White House applauded the Mexican army for killing the cartel leader as Washington confirmed that it provided intelligence support to the operation.

mexico violence
A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, in Cointzio, Michoacán state, Mexico, following the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo)

What to do if you are stuck in affected area in Mexico?

If a person is currently stuck in the affected areas in Mexico, here is what the person can do according to the US State Department guidelines:

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  • Avoid areas where law enforcement activities are ongoing
  • Avoid unnecessary movements
  • Seek shelter in designated areas
  • Be aware of the surroundings
  • Keep monitoring local media for regular updates
  • In case of emergency, call 911
  • Follow the directions of local authorities
  • Keep family and friends in loop about your location
  • For anyone who needs help, can contact- From US & Canada: 1-888-407-4747
  • From Overseas (including Mexico): +1 202-501-4444
Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes
The White House applauded the Mexican army for killing Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes as Washington confirmed that it provided intelligence support to the operation. (AI-generated graphic)

US urges citizens to take shelter

Though airports are operating normally, some domestic and international flights were cancelled in the western Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, CNN reported.

The US government has urged its citizens in several Mexican states, including popular tourist spots in Jalisco, Baja California and Quintana Roo, to take shelter.

Passengers who arrived in Jalisco state’s capital and Mexico’s second-largest city, Guadalajara, on Sunday night were told that the city’s international airport was operating with limited personnel because of the spread of violence.

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