Mexico erupts in violence after most-wanted drug cartel leader killed

A member of the Prosecutor’s Office stands guard near a burning bus at one of the main avenues after it was set on fire by organised crime groups in response to an operation in Jalisco to arrest a high-priority security target in Zapopan, state of Jalisco, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. Picture: Ulises Ruiz / AFP Mexico was on high alert Monday with schools closed and travelers stranded, as members of a powerful drug cartel went on a violent rampage across parts of the country after the army announced it had killed its leader. Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was wounded in a clash with soldiers in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state, and died while being flown to Mexico City, the army said on Sunday.

News of his death triggered cartel members across the country to block roads, torch vehicles and businesses and send fearful residents into hiding. The streets of the state capital Guadalajara were almost empty as stores, pharmacies and gas stations shut down. Maria Medina, who works in a gas station that was set on fire, said men with guns showed up and told everyone to get out.

“I thought they were going to kidnap us. I ran to a taco stand to take cover with the people there,” Medina told AFP. The violence spread to the neighboring state of Michoacan, where Oseguera’s cartel also has a presence, and gripped the resort city of Puerto Vallarta.

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Travel warnings from the UK, Canada and the US have been issued in the fallout, with Australia urging citizens to “exercise a degree of caution” early Monday. The UK Foreign Office advised on Monday against all but essential travel to parts of Mexico, including Jalisco.

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