Holidaymakers across parts of western Mexico have been urged to remain inside their hotels after the reported killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the alleged leader of one of the country’s most powerful criminal organisations.
Footage circulating online appeared to show passengers dropping to the floor at Guadalajara International Airport as gunfire was heard nearby, amid a wave of violence across Jalisco.
Mexican authorities said Oseguera Cervantes — widely known by the alias “El Mencho” — was targeted in a military operation in the town of Tapalpa in the central-western state of Jalisco.
According to Mexico’s defence ministry, he died from injuries sustained during the raid while being transferred by air. Officials said several armoured vehicles and weapons, including rocket launchers, were seized.
Puerto Vallarta airport posted a statement on X saying: “By decision of the airlines, today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, all international operations and most of the domestic flights have been cancelled.
“We urge passengers and users to remain calm and follow all instructions provided by airport personnel at all times.”
Sad🇺🇸🕊️💔😭🚨
American journalist stuck in Mexico🇲🇽 looked terrified as he makes his reports on what’s going on.
This journalist is playing with his life. Wtf is he still doing there?😳#mencho #us #mexico pic.twitter.com/zSoa0rDTuD
— VERYDARKMAN (@vdmempire) February 23, 2026
The statement added: “The situations reported in various parts of the state did not impact the airport’s internal operations or the safety within its facilities.
“The airport is under the protection of personnel from the National Guard (GN) and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), as part of ongoing coordination efforts with federal authorities.”
Three members of the armed forces were reportedly wounded and later transported to Mexico City for emergency treatment.
The operation was carried out against the backdrop of long-standing US efforts to dismantle the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has expanded from its Jalisco stronghold to establish a near-nationwide presence.
Following reports of his death, authorities documented coordinated revenge attacks across parts of Jalisco state.
Throughout Sunday, there were reports of vehicles set ablaze on major roads with armed men visible in urban areas, and sporadic gunfire has been heard near transport hubs.
Local officials have not confirmed casualty figures related to the retaliatory violence.
The unrest prompted the United States Department of State to issue a shelter-in-place warning for US citizens in Jalisco, advising travellers to avoid public spaces and remain indoors.
The British Foreign Office has warned, “Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.”
“The US Embassy in Mexico City urged American citizens throughout the state of Jalisco as well as some other parts of the country to “shelter in place until further notice”. The security alert warned of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
