politics
February 23, 2026
Battles between the cartels and security officials broke out in Mexico following the killing of a drug kingpin
Fierce battles between the cartel and security officials broke out in Mexico following the death of a criminal overlord
TL;DR
- El Mencho, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by Mexican special forces.
- The killing occurred during a military operation to capture him in Tapalpa.
- The cartel responded with road blockades and attacks on security forces in multiple cities.
- A state of emergency was declared in Jalisco, and violence spread to other states including Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Colima, and Oaxaca.
- Videos show burning vehicles, gunmen on streets, and destroyed patrol vehicles.
- Flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports were suspended.
- The US Embassy issued a security alert for US citizens in Mexico.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged residents to stay calm, stating most of the country was operating normally.
- A US defense official confirmed US involvement in the raid through a joint task force.
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