Violence erupted in parts of western Mexico on Sunday after reports of a military operation that led to the death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” “@Defensamx1 informs the public that, through central military intelligence efforts, from the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FEMDO), Special Forces of the Mexican Army planned and executed an operation in Tapalpa, Jal., in which various aircraft from the Air Force and the National Guard’s Immediate Reaction Special Force intervened to achieve the detention of Ruben ‘N’ (a) Mencho,” Mexico’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement. “During this operation, military personnel were attacked, so in defense of their integrity they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the ‘CJNG’ criminal group dead at the scene and three seriously injured, who lost their lives during their transfer via air to Mexico City; among the latter is Ruben ‘N’ (a) Mencho, however, the corresponding authorities will handle the expert activities for their identification. In addition to the above, two other members of this criminal organization were detained and various weaponry and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft and destroying armored vehicles,” the statement continued. “Unfortunately during this military action, three members of the institution were injured, who were likewise transferred to healthcare facilities in Mexico City for their urgent medical attention. It should be noted that, for the execution of this operation, in addition to the central military intelligence efforts, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the USA, complementary information was provided by authorities from that country. At this time, elements of the National Guard and troops from the Army in central Mexico and states adjacent to Jalisco are concentrating to reinforce the security of this federal entity. With these actions, the Secretariat of National Defense reaffirms its commitment to contribute to the strengthening of Mexico’s security. Army, Air Force and National Guard, the Great Force of Mexico,” it added. #UltimaHora #Comunicado@Defensamx1 se hace del conocimiento a la opinión pública que, con trabajos de inteligencia militar central, del Centro Nacional de Inteligencia y de la Fiscalía General de República (FEMDO), Fuerzas Especiales del Ejército Mexicano planearon y… — @Defensamx (@Defensamx1) February 22, 2026 Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast, witnessed widespread violence and chaos after reports of the military operation. More from the New York Post: Tourists in Puerto Vallarta were warned to stay indoors as narco gangs lashed out following the death of drug kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the powerful boss of the violent crime outfit. The US State Department urged Americans to shelter in place, and some American tourists have reported being trapped in the region. “Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area,” Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro said on X. “Also as a result of said operation in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of authorities.” Navarro added that much of Jalisco was in a “code red.” “We reiterate the recommendation to avoid leaving your homes,” Navarro said. “The clashes are occurring in several federal entities.” Footage circulated on social media: Vehicles were set ablaze in the streets of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, allegedly by members of the CJNG cartel. pic.twitter.com/pRb73xZOLH — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 22, 2026 BREAKING: Chaotic situation in Mexico after the killing of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as "El Mencho. El Mencho's cartel unleashed a wave of violence in the country — torching vehicles, attacking security forces, and targeting airports pic.twitter.com/Dh7NUex9ce — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) February 22, 2026 JUST IN: CJNG cartel sets buses and buildings on fire in Puerto Vallarta after Mexican Army kills cartel leader El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/ogVU8UsnNr — BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) February 22, 2026 Multiple vehicles burn in the parking lot of a Costco in Puerto Vallarta, as the CJNG Cartel continues its rampage throughout the city and across the Mexican state of Jalisco. pic.twitter.com/z0iHsGItMA — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) February 22, 2026 ” Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State,” the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico wrote. “Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice,” it added. It listed the following actions to take: Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Be aware of your surroundings. Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements Monitor local media for updates. Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911. Avoid crowds. Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued a security alert for the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, advising Americans to shelter in place until further notice due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity following… pic.twitter.com/tJuYTUESc3 — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 22, 2026 CBS News shared further: The state of Jalisco is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who also confirmed the cartel leader’s death, described him as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins.” “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” he said on X. During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the Ministry of Defense’s statement said. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment. The killing of the powerful drug lord triggered several hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states. Such tactics are commonly used by the cartels to block military operations.